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HISTORY 






SIMSBURY, GRAIBT AID CANTOI, 



FROM 1642 TO 1S45. 



BY NOAH A. PHELPS. 



HARl 11 0!lD. 

PRESS OF CASE, TIFJ^VNY AND BURNHAM. 
Pearl street, coi n ■-• of Truinbuii. 

I{r4£. 



Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1845, 

BY NOAH A. PHELPS, 

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Connecticut. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The author of this Pamphlet, having for his own amusement and edifica- 
tion, collected from the Records and Files in the State Department, at Hart- 
ford, many facts, which had long remained in obscurity, relating to the first 
settlc-ment- if Simsbury, was invited, by some of its inhabitants, to deliver an 
address, at that place, on the Early History of the town. The request was 
complied with ; — when another was made through a committee, Richard 
Bacon and Lancel Foot Esq'rs , that the history be continued down to the 
present time, (including that of the two towns which had been set off from 
Simsbury,)and that it be published. Being a native of the town, he did not 
feel himself at liberty to refuse the request, though the task, he well knew, 
would subject him to much trouble and inconvenience, and though he felt an 
unwillingness to appear before the public in the character of an author. 

The work, such as it is, is submitted to the public in the confident belief 
that it will be found to contain useful information never before published, and 
that its statements can be relied upon as correct. No pains have been spared 
to make it a true narrative. The materials have been chiefly obtained from 
the State Records, and from the Town Records of both Simsbury and Wind- 
sor, from which every thing has been carefully culled, relating to the early 
history of the town, which was deemed worthy of preservation. To literary 
merit, it lays no claim. Much of the matter contained in it, was prepared in 
detached parcels as the subjects occurred, or as the evidence relating to them 
was discovered, and the several parts were afterwards put together as they 
best could be. Utility has been the aim of the author, and if that be gained, 
he will be satisfied for the labor bestowed;, the amount of which, few but 
those who have been engaged in similar undertakings, can justly estimate. 

Some apology is perhaps due for omitting many incidents of Indian warfare 
which have been handed down by tradition. Some of these, on investigation, 
were found to be fabulous, and other portions, to rest on testimony too weak 
or uncertain to authorise their insertion. But, out of this mass of matter 
everything has been retained which, after a careful scrutiny, was in the 
opinion of the author, entitled to credit. -And if, by thi:s process, a few grains 
of wheat harve been lost, it is pretty certain that no chaff has been preserved. 

In collecting some materials, the author has been kindly assisted by several 
gentlemen, among whom, he takes pleasure in mentioning Ephraim MrLLs 
Esq: of Canton, and Joseph Cornish and- Ardon B. HotcoMB Esq'rs. of 
Grahby, to each of whom he is indebted for valuable information communica- 
ted and incorporated in the work, ]Sf. A. P. 

April, 1S45. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. PAGE. 

SiMSBURy. — Preliminary measures relating to the establishment of anew 
Plantation at Massacoe. Settlement and Incorporation of the Town, 
&c. 1642— 1G75. ....... 9 

CHAPTER II. 

Philip's War. Burning of Simsbury. Removal and return of the Inhab- 
itants. Measures adopted to rebuild the plantation. 1675—1683. 

CHAPTER III. 

History of the Massacoe Indians. Indian Hostilities after Philip's War. 

Captivity of Daniel Hayes. 164S — 1750. .... 

CHAPTER IV. 

Location and erection of the First Meeting-House. Employment and 

Settlement of Clergymen. 1671—1725. .... 

CHAPTER V. 

Location and erection of the Second Meeting-House. Other Ecclesias- 
tical Affairs. 1725—1845. ...... 



19 



30 



45 



. 57 
CHAPTER VI. 

General History continued from Chapter II. Mills. Common Fields. 
Distribution of Common Lands. Fishery. Miscellaneous. 1679 — 1725. 75 
CHAPTER VII. 
Manufactures. Ancient Map. Bridges. Ferry. Services rendered in 
the French Wars and in the War of the Revolution. Miscellaneous. 
1726-1845. ........ 87 

CHAPTER VIII. 
Granby.— Settlement. Civil and Ecclesiastical History. 1681-1845. 103 

CHAPTER IX. 
The Copper Mines. Discovery. Magnitude of the Works. Amount 
of Disbursements. Smelting Works at Hanover. The Phcenix Mining 
Company. 1705—1833. . . . . . .113 

CHAPTER X. 
Newgate Prison. Establishment. Destruction of Buildings by Fire. 
Escape of Convicts. Confinement of Tories. Employment of Prison- 
ers. Police Regulations. 1773 — 1827. .... 120 
CHAPTER XI. 
Canton.— Settlement. Civil and Ecclesiastical History. 1737—1845. 136 

APPENDIX. 



A. 


Indian Deeds. 




. 147 


B. 


Simsbury Paten 




. 150 


C. 


Amount of Lis'- 


. 1780.* ! '. 


. 151 


D. 


Tax Payers — 1' 




. 152 


E. 


Prominent Offir 


w; ' ' itives of the Town. . 


. 154 


F. 


List of Judges •• 


''■■'■ , , 


. 155 


G. 


" of Repress' 


' ; General Assembly. 


. 156 


H. 


" of Justice^ 




. 163 


I. 


" of Town I,; 


' ' "S. 


. 165 




Extracts from 1 


own and Society Records. 


. 166 




Register of Mir 


liagcg, Pirths, &c. 


. 168 




Statistics. Cvr 


• ..- of rr.e, 1774, &c. ; 


. 176 



HISTORY 



SIMSBUEY, GRANBY AND CANTON. 



SiMsBURY originally embraced nearly the whole territory included within 
the present limits of Simsbury, Granby and Canton. Granby was set off 
into a separate town in 17SG, and Canton into another town, in 1806. In the 
tbllowing pages, the history of the three towns will, generally, be united in 
one sketch, under the title of Simsbury, until the periods respectively, when 
Granby and Canton were incorporated — after which, the history of each 
town will be considered separately. 



CHAPTER I. 

SIMSBURY. 

Preliminary measures relating to the establishment of a new Plantation at Massacoe. 
Betllement and Incorporation of the Town, &c., 1642 — 1675. 

The first settlers of Simsbury came from Windsor. A 
very large proportion of the present inhabitants of the 
town, can trace their ancestry to that small flock, who, 
under the pastoral charge of the Rev. Mr. Warham, left 
England in 1630, and after remaining a short time in 
Dorchester, near Boston, removed in the fall of 1635, and 
spring of 1636, to Windsor. 

The tract of territory embraced within the present limits 
of Simsbury and Granby, especially that part of it lying in, 
and adjacent to, the valley through which the Farmington 
river winds its course, was anciently known and called by 
the Indian name of Massacoe.* By reason of its produc- 

* Sometimes spelt Massacoh, and occasionally Saco. It is generally pro- 
nounced Mas-saw'-co. 



10 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 



tions in such articles of trade as furs, tar, pitch and turpen- 
tine, — its expansive meadows, and its fitness for a new plant- 
ation, — it attracted, at a very early period, the attention of 
the inhabitants of Windsor. 

Althoug-h this section of country was never included 
within the limits of Windsor, it was, by general consent, 
considered as belonging to that plantation, in the same 
manner as Farmington was considered as belonging to the 
plantation of Hartford. Massacoe was bounded by Wind- 
sor on the east, by Tunxus, now Farmington, on the south, 
by the wilderness on the west, and by Waranoahe or West- 
field, now Southwick, on the north. The river at this time 
was called Tunxus. 

The first act of government on record, relating to Massa- 
coe, was an order passed in 1642, a little over six years from 
the commencement of the settlement of the Colony, and is 
in these words : 

" It is ordered, that the Governor and Mr. Haynes shall have 
liberty o dispose of the ground upon that part of Tunxus river, 
called Massacoe, to such inhabitants of Windsor, as they shall see 
cause." 

In March 1647, the General Court passed this order : 

" The Court thinks fit that Massacoe be purchased by the coun- 
try, and that there be a committee chosen to dispose of it to such 
inhabitants of Windsor, as by them ^all be judged meet to make 
improvements thereof, in such kind as may be for the good of this 
Commonwealth ; and the purchase to be repaid by those that shall 
enjoy it, with reasonable allowance. Mr. Hopkins is entreated 
to be one of the committee, and Mr. Webster another ; — and Mr. 
Steele, Mr. Talcott and Mr. Westall, to view the foresaid 
ground, and assist in the dispose thereof" 

No purchase of the Indian title was made under this 
order, nor is it known that any sales or grants of land were 
made by either of these committees ; if there were any 
such, they remained unlocated until at a future time. 
Many grants were made by the General Court to sundry 
persons of specified quantities of land, some of which were 
of lands at Massacoe. 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. H 

The first Indian deed of this territory was given in 1648, 
by Manahanoose, to John Griffin, in consideration that the 
grantor had kindled a fire which, in its progress, had con- 
sumed a Large quantity of pitch and tar belonging to Mr. 
Griffin. The deed is informal, containing but a few lines, 
and purports to convey the right and interest of the grantor 
in all the lands at Massacoe. It is recorded on the town 
records of Windsor, Soon afterwards, three other principal 
Indians made a conveyance of their interest in these lands 
to Mr. Griffin. These are the only conveyances, of which 
we have any record evidence, made by the Indians until 
1680, when a formal and legal deed was executed, of which 
notice will be taken hereafter.* ^ 

In 1653, the General Court granted to Lieutenant Aaron 
Cook, fifty acres of land at Massacoe, on both sides of the 
river next above the falls ; to John Bissell, sixty acres next 
adjoining on the south-west ; and to Thomas Ford, fifty 
acres on what is now called the island in that vicinity, of 
which, it is stated, he had improved forty-four acres by 
plowing and mowing. For these grants, they were to pay 
into the treasury five pounds. And the Court " desired that 
Mr. Wolcott and Mr. Clarke slioukl dispose of the remainder 
of the ground at Massacoe, to the inhabitants of Windsor, 
as they judge convenient, and to order the laying out of the 
former grants." 

In March 1663, Captain Newberry, Edward Griswoldand 
John Moore, were appointed a committee "to lay out all 
those lands that are yet undivided at Massacoe, to such 
inhabitants of Windsor as desire, and need it." And in the 
same year, a grant of two hundred acres was made by the 
General Court to John Griffin, in consideration " that he 
was the first that perfected the art of making pitch and tar 
in those parts;" the land to be taken up "where he can 
find it between Massacoh and Warranoake, whereof there 
may be forty acres of meadowy if it be there to be had, and 
be not prejudicial to a plantation, and not granted." This 
tract of land, including another grant made subsequently 
*See Chapter III. 



12 HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 

by the town, was afterwards known by the name of "Grif- 
fin's Lordship." 

It is not known that any grants were made under these 
orders of the Court. It is supposed, however, that there 
were a few unhealed rights disposed of, — and there were 
probably some proprietors, in addition to those who had 
grants from the Colony, whose lands were laid out and 
designated by boundaries. But a division into lots did not 
take place until after this period. 

The commencement of permanent settlements in the 
plantation is known to have been as early as 1664, and was 
perhaps still earlier. Lands Avere cultivated, and some 
improvements made, as early as 1653 ; but the occupation 
of the proprietors, it is believed, was as yet but temporary. 
Persons too, following other avocations, were occasional 
residents of the place, even before this time. In 1643, 
John Griffin and Michael Humphrey, who subsequently 
became distinguished inhabitants of tlie town, each the 
founder of a numerous family, commenced the manufac- 
ture of pitch and tar, and the collecting of turpentine, 
which business was continued, particularly by Mr. Griffin, 
many years thereafter, and became an extensive operation. 
Others too, allured by inducements of traffic with the 
Indians, were occasionally here. But none of them, so far 
as is now known, had commenced a permanent residence in 
the place until 1664. Among the first settlers was John 
Griffin. He is generally, and doubtless most justly, consid- 
ered as the pioneer of the new settlement. By a deed of 
the date of 1664, he is described as then belonging to Mas- 
sacoe. He resided on the northerly side of the river, above 
the falls, and subsequently erected a mill at the falls. 

But a few families only could have been settled in the 
plantation until nearly five years after this time, and they 
must have been located near Mr. Griffin. That there were 
some however, would appear by an order of the General 
Court, passed in 1667, requiring "all the freemen and 
householders " of Windsor and Massacoe to assemble, and 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 



13 



decide by their votes, a question relating to the continuance 
of the Rev. Mr. Chauncey in the ministry at Windsor.* 

The committee, in December 1666, specified the terms 
upon which "those who took up lands at Massacoe should 
have them." These were, — that, within two years, they 
should make improvements by plowing, mowing, building 
and fencing ; and that they should live on their grants two 
years. 

The first grants by the committee, of which any record 
exists, were made in 1667. These consisted of meadow 
lands, bordering on the river, and were made to the follow- 
ing persons : 



Bleadow Plain ; 
John Gillett, 
Samuel Wilcoxson, 
Jonn Case, 
Minister's lot, 
John Pettibone. 
Hazel Meadow ; 
John Gillett. 
Terry'' s Plain ; 
Terry s. 



Hop Meadow ; 
John Barber, 
Joseph Skinner, ^ 
Minister's lot, 
Thomas Barber, 
John Drake, 
Samuel Pinney, 
Peter Buell. 
Location unknown ; 
Joshua Holcomb. 



Weatague^ east ; 
Joseph Phelps, 
Simon Mills, — 
Nathan Gillett, 
John Moses, 
Mieah Humphrey. 
Newbury^s^ now, 
Wcstoverh Plain ; 
Adamses, 
Bissells, 
Simon Wolcott. 



These persons did not immediately remove their families 
from Windsor to Massacoe, though it is believed that by 
1669 all of them had become inhabitants of the new plan- 
tation. 

It does not appear how much land was allotted to each 
proprietor, nor what consideration was paid. It is supposed, 
however, that the grants were burthened only with the pay- 
ment of a sum sufficient to reimburse the expenses of the 
committee. Probably, nearly all the choice meadow lands 
were disposed of at this time, and that some of the grantees, 
failing to comply with the terms, forfeited their rights, which 
were afterwards taken by other persons ; for it is known that 
there were a few persons, whose names do not appear upon 



* The number of votes polled on this occasion, was 128. The question 
produced a great excitement, and probably called forth the whole strength 
of the voters of Windsor, including Massacoe. 

2* 



14 HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 

this list, who were among- the early settlers of the place. 
Among them were Samuel Filley, John Griffin, Thomas 
Maskcll, Luke Hill and John Bnell. , 

In 1668, the General Court passed another order, in rela- 
tion to the plantation, in these words : 

" The Court doth desire that Massacoe, which hitherto hath 
been an appendix to the town of Windsor, may be improved for 
the making of a plantation ; and Captain Benjamin Newberry, 
Deacon John Moore and Mr. Simon VVolcott, the present com- 
mittee for the grant of those lands, are desired and empowered by 
the Court to further the planting of the same, and to make such 
just orders as they shall judge requisite for the well ordering of 
the said plantation, so they be not repugnant to the public orders 
of this Colony." 

A meeting of the proprietors was held, October 5, 1668, 
at the house of John Moore, Jr., in Windsor, when it was 
agreed that, by the first of May then next, they w^onld fence 
(heir respective lots of land in Massacoe, and on failure 
thereof, pay to the rest of the company five pounds. Twen- 
ty-five persons agreed to take uplands, varying in quantity 
from forty to eighty acres by each person, npon terms 
required by the committee, but which terms do not precisely 
appear. A large number of lots were drawn for at this 
meeting, or located at about the same time, in some other 
manner. These lots lay adjacent to the meadows on both 
sides of the river, between the falls and Farmington line. 

During the ensuing winter and spring, the proprietors, (at 
least those already named,) removed to Massacoe, and took 
possession of their respective lots. They had previously, it 
is presumed, made improvements by clearing some portion 
of their farms, and erecting habitations for their families. 
Considerable portions of the meadows, upon which the 
natives had, for a long period of time, cultivated corn, 
required no labor to fit them for immediate use. To possess 
these lands, thus cleared and rich in soil, M'as a strong 
inducement with these settlers to remove from Windsor into 
this wilderness. But, how they contrived to satisfy the 
Indians to give up the meadows, and suffer the new comers 
to occupy them, history does not reveal. As yet, no title 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. lo 

to them had been obtained, except by the informal, and it 
maybe added, illegal conve)'ances before mentioned, made 
to Mr. Giiflfin by three or four Indians, who released only 
their individual rights in the premises. The new settler, 
it is presumed, found no difficulty in driving a bargain with 
the natives, by njeansof small presents and other appliances 
usually resorted to then and since, in all negociations between 
the red and white man. But it does not appear that any 
disturbance arose out of this change in tlie possession of 
these lands. 

The prospects of the plantation at this time were, upon 
the whole, cheering. There had been no Indian hostilities 
in this quarter, since the settlement of the Colony, and none 
was apprehended. Indeed, for many years preceding this 
time, no Indian troubles had prevailed in the Colony to 
disturb its repose. About this time, the boundary line 
between the plantation and Farmington, long a matter of 
controversy, had been surveyed and established. And, in 
1669, the General Assembly, to aid the new settlement, 
remitted all Colony taxes for the terra of three years. The 
plantation, too, had the pationage of some of the most 
influential men belonging to Windsor, who, being largely 
interested as proprietors, took active measures to promote 
its prosperity. 

But, on the other hand, the settlement in its progress had 
many obstacles to overcome. With a river that could not 
be forded, except at the falls, with no bridges, no roads, no 
markets for their surplus produce, and no protection on two 
sides, should the Indians become hostile, its advancement 
was materially retarded. Yet, notwithstanding these im- 
pediments, during the six succeeding years — up to the lime 
of the breaking up of the plantation by Philij^'s war in 
1675, — its progress in population and general improvements 
was considerable, and such as to encourage the hopes of the 
adventurers. 

From a return made in 1669, by order of the Assembly, 
of the names of freemen belonging to each town and plant- 
ation, it appears that the number belonging to Massacoe 



16 HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 

was thirteen. Their names are, — Thomas Barber, John 
Case, Samuel Filley, John Griffin, Michael Humphrey, 
Joshua Holcomb, Thomas Maskell, Luke Hill, Samuel 
Pinney, Joseph Phelps, John Buell, Joseph Skinner and 
Peter Buell. 

In the same year, John Case was appointed by the 
General Court, Constable for Massacoe. He was the first 
person, belonging- to the place, who was invested with 
office. 

The inhabitants, in 1670, petitioned for town privileges, 
and appointed two delegates, Joshua Holcomb and John 
Case, to present their application to the May Session of the 
General Court. Their request was readily granted, and the 
delegates received as members of the Assembly. The 
record of incorporation is in these words. — 

" This Court grants Massacoe's bounds shall run from Far- 
mington bounds to the northward tenn miles, and from Windsor 
bounds, on the east, to run westward tenn miles ; provided it doe 
not prejudice any former grant, and be in the power of this Court 
so to dispose. 

The Court orders that the plantation at Massacoe be called 
Simsbury." 

Anterior to this, there were but twenly towns in the 
Colony, including New Haven Colony; the two Colonies 
having become united a i(iVf years before this time. 

ThQ proviso in the above Resolve had particular reference, 
it is supposed, to the imcertainty of the line between this 
Colony and Massachusetts, which line at that time was 
unsettled and remained in doubt. During many years after 
this period, according to the claim of Massachusetts, the 
extension of Simsbury, from Farmington bounds northward, 
would not have exceeded eight miles. 

Under this authority the town proceeded to organize and 
appoint its officers. But as the early records of the town 
were destroyed by fire, we have no means of ascertaining 
who were the first officers appointed. " Sergeant Griffin 
and Simon Wolcott" were elected townsmen, or selectmen, 
in 1674. 

At the October session of the General Court, 1671, lib- 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 17 

erty was granted to Mr. Simon Wolcott " to retail wine and 
liquors, (provided he keep good order in the dispose of it,) 
until there be an ordinary set np in Simsbury."* This Mr. 
Wolcott was the father of the Hon. Roger Wolcott, who, 
for many years, was governor of the Colony. Mr. Simon 
Wolcott lived nearly opposite the dwelling house of Charles 
L. Roberts, Esq., in the north part of the present town of 
Simsbury, where the governor was born, in 1679. The 
Court also recommended to the " inhabitants and proprietors 
of Simsbury to rayse the minister's and towne rate this 
yeare upon persons and land." 

In 1673, Simon Wolcott and John Griffin were appointed 
by the Assembly "to command the train-band at Sims- 
bury;" and seven men were ordered to be raised for the 
public service, when required. This train-bandf consisted 
of but a small portion of a company, and the gentlemen 
appointed to command it were not commissioned as officers. 
The object doubtless was to keep up a military organiza- 
tion, under persons invested with authority, in order to be 
prepared for any sudden emergency that might happen. 

In 1674, the town ordered a ferry place to be established 
at the mouth of Hop brook. This, however, meant only 
that the inhabitants might enjoy the privilege of passing 
the river at this place. It was many years after this time 
before any thing like a ferr)% furnished with a boat large 
enough to transport even ahorse across the river, was estab- 
lished. At the same time, a road leading from Hop meadow 
to East Weatauge was laid out, crossing the river at this 
place. 

It was ordered by the town, June 8, 1674, " that all the 
inhabitants of Simsbury, from fourteen years old to sixt}^, 
shall next Monday sennight stub bushes," — meaning, 
bushes in the roads. 

In respect to roads generally, it may interest the public 
to be informed that, for about fifty years after the first set- 

* An " ordinary" was set up, in 1675, by Samuel Pinney, who was licensed 
to keep tavern. 

f All militia companies were, at this time, called train-bands. 



18 HISTORY OP SIMSBURY. 

tlement of the Colony, no measures were taken to make 
roads from town to town, other than to clear them of 
" brush ;" — to effect which, the laws required each inhabit- 
ant to labor on the public roads one day in each year. In 
1679, the General Court recommended to the selectmen of 
the several towns to clear their main roads in this manner, 
" at least one rod wide."* 

Hitherto, the plantation, though at no time particularly 
prosperous, had experienced no serious reverses. But, in 
1675, the scene was changed. Hostilities had commenced 
on the part of the Indians, which led to a disastrous war, 
bringing, in its train, ruin and desolation upon the new set- 
tlement. The history of this war, its ravages and results, 
as connected with the settlement, will be delineated in the 
next chapter. 

* May session, 1679. " This Court orders that the present roades from 
plantation to plantation shall be reputed the country roades, or king's high- 
way, and so to remayne until the Court do see good reason to make alteration 
of the same ; — and whereas, the inhabitants of each plantation were by law 
required once a yeare to worke a day in clearing of the brush, it is by this 
Court recommended to the townsmen (selectmen) of the several plantations, 
to improve their inhabitants in clearing the common roades, in the first placo 
that lye between towne and towne, until the sayd roades are cleared at least 
one rod wide." 



CHAPTER II 



Philip's War. Burning of Simsbury. Removal and Return of the Inhabitants. Measures 
adopted to Rebuild the Plantation.— 1675— 1683. 

In the summer of 1675, the New England Colonies 
became much alarmed by the movements of the Indians, 
and the intelligence of their purpose to assault some of the 
English plantations. It was soon manifest that war was 
inevitable. The conflict which, in after times, was known 
as "Philip's war," had already commenced, and was about 
to extend its ravages into this Colony. Indications of the 
near approach of danger were so strong, as to cast a deep 
gloom over the new settlements. But the danger was to be 
met, and there were " stout hearts" at hand fitted for the 
emergency. A large military force was raised in the 
Colony, and sundry fortifications were ordered to be built 
and manned. Other measures too, were adopted to meet 
the crisis, and give protection to the frontier settlements. 

A Council of War had been established, and was almost 
in daily session, except during the sessions of the General 
Assembly. On the sixth of August, 1675, the Council 
ordered one hundred dragoons to be raised in the county of 
Hartford ;* and " that all persons be duly prepared and pro- 
vided with arms and ammunition, and that they assemble 
on Monday next, by sun an hour high, at the meeting- 
house in their respective plantations," there to attend " to 
such other directions as shall be given them b}^ their com- 
manders." 

On the thirtieth of the same month. Major Treat, who 
had been appointed commander of the forces, was directed 

* Subsequently, 350 men were raised in the Colony — af whom seven were 
of Simsbury. 



20 HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 

to march to Westfield and Northampton, to intercept the 
Indians. He proceeded as far as Windsor, when, being 
informed that one Christopher Crow, while traveling- be- 
tween Hartford and Simsbury, had been assaulted and shot 
at by four Indians, eight being in company, he halted, and 
upon advising the Council of this occurrence, he was 
ordered to leave thirty of his men, and advance with the 
rest on the expedition. But, on the next day, the Council 
having received intelligence of other indications of hostility 
on the part of the Indians ; that one John Colt had been 
shot at, and another party of Indians been discovered lurk- 
ing near the north meadow in Hartford, on the preceding 
night, the Council ordered the return of Major Treat, with 
his forces, forthwith to Hartford. 

A few days afterwards, the Council directed that a night 
watch be kept in every plantation, — all soldiers from six- 
teen to seventy years of age being required to attend their 
course of watch, — and that one fourth part of the military 
force of each town be under arms every day, by turns, to 
guard their respective plantations. 

It was also ordered, that, during these commotions with 
the Indians, all persons, having occasion to work in the 
fields, should work in companies ; and where the fields lay 
at a distance of half a mile from town, such companies 
should consist of not less than six persons, with their arms 
and ammunition well fitted for service. 

For the prevention of danger to travelers, the town of 
Windsor was required to send, each other day, four men 
"to clear tlie roads to Simsbury." Other towns were 
required to perform a similar service on their main roads 
leading from town to town. 

The Indians who had been in the service of the Colony, 
having returned to Hartford from one of their expeditions, 
the Council ordered, as a recompens3 for their services, that 
there be given to each Mohegan a coat, and to each Waba- 
quassuck Indian, ^'■apayre of breeches.''^ 

On the twenty-seventh of September, the Council came 
to an agreement with the Indians of Farmington, Hartford, 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 21 

Wethersfieldand Middletown, wherein the Indians engaged 
" to continue in friendship with the English, to espouse 
their cause, and to discover and destroy their enemies" : — 
the Council stipulating to pay them two yards of cloth for 
every head of an enemy killed by them, and four yards of 
cloth for every captive they should deliver alive. This 
compact was afterwards renewed and confirmed by all the 
Indians residing within the county of Hartford, and was 
reduced to writing. The treaty was to continue during the 
war, and to guarantee its fulfillment the Indians were re- 
quired to give hostages. 

The Indians who were known to be engaged in this war- 
fare against the English, in addition to powerful tribes 
under the immediate control of Philip, in Rhode Island, and 
other places in that vicinity, consisted of tribes scattered 
through the central parts of Massachusetts, and extending 
up the valley of the Connecticut river in that Colony. Some 
of the Pequots in this Colony, as well as portions of tribes 
residing in the county of Fairfield, were supposed to favor 
the conspiracy. Simsbury, from its being a frontier town, 
was peculiarly exposed to the inroads of the enemy, and 
especially to sudden attacks from the northern Indians. 
The condition of the town was deemed so hazardous, as to 
attract the special attention of the General Assembly. 

At an early period of the war, a garrison was kept up in 
this town at the public expense. It was so constructed and 
guarded, as to afford protection, in an ordinary assault, to 
such inhabitants as might flee to it for safety. But the 
danger became so imminent as to induce the Legislature, at 
the October session, 1675, to pass an order directing ihe 
inhabitants to provide places of security for themselves and 
crops, within one week, and, at the expiration of that time, 
that the garrison be evacuated.* 

* The following is a copy of the record. Its melancholy tone is indicative 
of the despondency which so generally prevailed at that time 

"This Court from a deep sense of the imminent danger that all our plan- 
tations are in, by the nakedness of each and every place, do order and 
appoynt every plantation, (as a means under God for their safety,) to make 
such suitable places of defence as they are capable of, and appoynt such 

3 



22 HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 

Upon the promulgation of this order, the inhabitants 
removed to Windsor or Hartford, carrying with them such 
of their effects as coukl be transported. But the contempla- 
ted attack did not take place that fall, and during the 
succeeding winter, the people, deeming the danger over, 
removed back to their former habitations. The danger, 
however, had not passed away ; in the ensuing spring, it 
assumed a more threatening aspect than ever. 

There is no record evidence of any act of hostility per- 
petrated by the Indians against the English in this Colony, 
during the winter of 1675-6, excepting that in February, 
one William Hill was shot and severely wounded by an 
Indian at Hockanum. Before the close of the season, how- 
ever, there were such evidences of a design to attack the 
settlements, especially those of the weaker classes, as to 
induce the Council of War to adopt the most vigorous mea- 
sures in defense of the plantations. A force of four 
hundred and fifteen men was raised in the Colony, and all 
the larger towns were ordered to complete their stockades, 
and line them with ditches and breastworks. The former 
orders of the Council, in reference to the people's working 
in companies in the fields, and those relating to the keep- 
ing of watches, and wards, were re-issued and directed to 
be obeyed, and the shooting off of guns, by which a false 
alarm might be given, was prohibited under severe penal- 
ties. It was also ordered, that all the male inhabitants of 
the several plantations, capable of bearing arms, should 
carry their arms and ammunition, with them, to all public 



places for their women and children, and ethers that are not able to help 
themselves, to repayre unto, in case of assault, that all out-livers, and weak 
places, do take speedy and effectual course to get their women and children, 
corn, and the best of their estates, to places of the most hopeful security, as 
is within their compass to do ; and that each plantation do appoynt suitable 
persons as a committee to order those alfayres respecting places of fortifica- 
tion and defence. 

This Court orders, that the people of Simsbury shall have a iveek's time 
to secure themselves and their corn there, and at the end of the week from 
thisdate, the souldiers, now in garrison at Simsbury, shall be released their 
attendance there." 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 23 

meeting's, at times of worship as well as at all other times. 
This is believed to have been the origin of the custom of 
attending meetings with fire arms, which is well known to 
have prevailed extensively, if not universally, during 
many years after this period. 

Under date of March 3, 1676, is this record : 

" The insolency of the heathen, and their rage increasing against 
the Enghsh, and the spoyle that they have made in sundry places, 
hath moved us to order that forthwith the people of Simsburydoe 
remove themselves, and what estate they can remove, to some of 
the neighboring plantations, for their safety and security." 

In obedience to this order, every white person was 
removed from the town with all possible dispatch ; and the 
Indians of the place, most of whom had espoused the 
cause of the English, or at least had remained passive, 
were compelled to remove, or secrete themselves in the 
forests. The whites returned to Windsor, or Hartford, 
taking- with them their herds of cattle, and but little else of 
consequence ; for, as there were at that time no bridges, and 
nothing but narrow pathways for roads, articles of personal 
estate, generally, could not be transported without much 
difficulty, and consequent delay. The friendly Indians 
who removed, it is believed went westwardly, and settled 
down upon the Housatonuc river, within the limits of the 
present township of Salisbury, where they built a village 
which they called Weoiauge, after the village of that name 
in Simsbury which they had left, and where they and their 
descendants resided many years theieafter.* 

The settlement, thus abandoned, became an easy prey to 
the ravages of the enemy. Hordes of Indians, under the 
command, as is supposed, of Philip himself, poured in from 

* I have the authority of Judge Church, of Salisbury, for this statement. 
Having investigated the history of that town, which was published in 1842, 
he ascertained, as he has informed me, from the strongest kind of tradition- 
ary evidence, that the Weatauge Indians of Salisbury were driven from Sims- 
bury in the time of Philip's war. As Salisbury was not settled by the Eng- 
lish until about 1740, these Indians continued there without molestation 
from the whites, more than sixty years. Remnants of the tribe remained in 
thai town manv vears afterwards. 



24 HISTORY OP SIMSBURY. 

the north, and after a general pillage, destroyed by fire 
nearly every building in the town, as well as every thing else 
left by the English, which cotild be found, and which the 
invaders could not appropriate to their own use. The ruin 
was complete — nothing but utter desolation remained. 
During all the Indian wars, before and since this event, no 
destruction of any English settlement in New England has 
taken place, in which the ruin, it is believed, was more 
extensive, or more general, than in this conflagration. 

This event took place on Sunday, the twenty-sixth of 
March 1676 — the pillaging in the day time, and the burning 
of the settlement in the succeeding night. Philip, it is said 
by tradition, seated upon a neighboring mount lin, which 
has ever since borne his name, viewed the scene, and 
enjoyed from its contemplation those emotions of pleasure 
which, it is supposed, are peculiarly agreeable to all of his 
race, when placed under similar circumstances.* His deep 
rooted hatred of the English — the cause in which he was 
engaged, involving his own existence, and probably that of 
his nation, if not of his whole race — and his Indian habits 
and education — all tended to make this scene peculiarly 

* There is more of fiction than truth in this tradition. It is pretty certain 
that Philip was not in this part of the country at this time, and it is extremely 
doubtful whether the mountain derives from him its name. In the early 
records of the town, it is called Phelps' mountain, a person of that name then 
being the owner of a large tract of land upon it. Nor is it by any means 
certain that a numerous body of Indians invaded the town at the conflagra- 
tion. Since writing the foregoing account of this disaster, Sylvester Judd 
Esq., of Northampton, whose knowledge of Indian history is very extensive, 
has directed my attention to a document in the State departmental Hartford, 
which, perhaps, throws some light upon this subject. It is the examination 
of an Indian culprit concerning the perpetrators of various offences. When 
asked who committed a particular murder, he gives the names of seven 
Indians, most of whom belonged to Springfield, and then adds " and they it was 
who burnt Simsbury.^' Perhaps no reliance ought to be placed upon any 
part of his story, even though he accuses himself with others of certain 
crimes. But if he is on other subjects, entitled to credit, and if, concerning 
this transaction, he intends to say that but seven persons were engaged in the 
conflagiation, he must be mistaken; for so small a number, it is believed, 
could not, in one night, have fired so many buildings situated as these were, 
separated by a river, and extending through a distance of about seven miles. 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 25 

pleasant to his sight. But, if he turned his eyes, as he 
probably did, in another direction, he might view settle- 
ments, on the banks of the Connecticut, so strongly forti- 
fied and manned, as to defy his power, and put an end to 
his hopes of conquest. At any rate, he withdrew his forces, 
and in the month of July following was himself taken 
and slain. But the war continued some months after his 
decease. 

On the following day, the Council of War received notice 
of this conflagration, which they communicated to the 
people of Farmington, with this caution — " to stand upon 
their guard for their own defence." 

It is understood that nearly forty dwelling houses, chiefly 
of the poorer classes, were destroyed, with a large number 
of barns and other buildings. Nor was this all. Provis- 
ions, produce, furniture, fences and farming utensils, were 
collected into heaps and burned. In short, every injury 
which the enemy could devise was inflicted, and in a man- 
ner too so as most to destro)'^ the property of the settlers. 

After this event, the town remained deserted about one 
year, during which time no attempt was made to rebuild it. 
During their absence, the inhabitants, most of whom had 
fled to Windsor, held a town meeting on the fourth of April 
1676, at the house of Joseph Skinner, in Windsor, occa- 
sioned, as the record says, " by reason of (he war." 

But in March 1677, the danger being supposed over, a 
number of the inhabitants, feeling desirous to return, applied 
to the Council of War for advice and permission to remove 
back to Simsbury. The Council granted their request, r>nd 
passed an order in reference to common fences, and another 
relating to the occupancy of the lands of such proprietors as 
should not return to the town within a specified term of 
time. Some few of the proprietors, it is well known, never 
did return back ; — preferring, probably, to sacrifice their 
estates there, rather than expose themselves and families to 
the hazard of another Indian invasion. But the greater 
number removed back with their families during the spring 
of 1677, and commenced to repair the damages sustained 
3* 



26 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY 



They found on their return little else but ruin and desola- 
tion. Not even the goods that had been secreted could be 
discovered. Every thing showed too plainly, that havoc 
had been " let loose" — that the evil spirit of destruction 
had leigned triumphant.* 

In consideration of the great losses sustained by the inhalp- 
itants, and to encourage the re-building of the town, the 



* According to tradition, the inhabitants when they fled from the town in 
1076, secreted many articles of household furniture and other personal estate, 
by burying them in swamps, or depositing them in wells which they attempted 
to conceal by filling or covering over ; and that upon their return, they were 
unable to recover the articles thus left, because, such changes had been 
wrought by the devastation, that the places where the articles had been 
deposited could not be found. 

Tt is undoubtedly true that many goods were secreted in this manner, 
which, when sought for by their owners, could not be found. But, it is hardly 
possible to suppose that every mark of locality could, within the space of one 
yecu-, have been so thoroughly efi'aced, as this account, to be true, would 
require. It is, perhaps more compatible with probability to suppose, that the 
Indians discovered \)^e places where the hidden treasures were deposited, 
and that they destroyed every thing concealed therein which they could not 
conveniently carry off. 

The recent discovery of two wells, which had been covered over or filled 
up so long that history had lost all traces of them, has given occasion to revive 
this tradition, and lead some to conjecture that a portion of the lost articles 
had been deposited in them. One of these wells is in the garden of the late 
Roger Wilcox, deceased, at Westover's plain ; and it is certainly a singular 
circumstance that, had its locality been known, it should have remained so 
long in this condition, — for there has been, for upwards of a hundred years, 
a house near it, the occupants of which, during all this time, for want of a 
well, have been compelled to obtain a supply of water from one at a distance 
on the opposite side of the road. Not far from this well, is an old building 
which, from its construction as well as tradition, is supposed to have been 
erected for a block-house. It is now used as an appendage to a barn. In 
this building, was bocn Samuel Forbes Esq. of Canaan, who died some years 
since at an advanced age, and in possession of great wealth. 

The other discovered well is on the lot opposite the residence of the late 
Gen. Noah Phelps. It probably belonged to the " Minister's house," which 
stood there, and which was also, at times, occupied as a garrison or block- 
house. If so, and if, as supposed, the well was used by the tenants of that 
house, it could not have been covered over until nearly fifty years after the 
burning of the town, for the house was not demolished until after 1720. The 
presumption is that both wells, not being wanted for use, were covered up, 
and in process of time had become forgotten. 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 27 

General Assembly, at the May Session 1677, granted liberty 
of raising the rates for town charges, and the support of the 
ministry, for the three ensuing years, upon lands only, — 
thus taxing non-residents equally with the residents of the 
town ; — and also remitted, to all actual inhabitants, the 
payment of Colony taxes for the period of three years.* 

But these enactments failed to accomplish the objects" 
intended. Many of the proprietors, including some of the 
former inhabitants, neglected to take possession of their 
lands, or to make any improvements upon them. This, by 

* " To the Honoured Generall Assembly now sitting in Hartford. 

Honoured Fathers. 
Wee whose names are underwritten, the present inhabitants of Simsbury, 
haveing bin formerly burthened by the inequallity of levying of rates (as the 
case is circumstanced with us,) and now through the late afflictive dispensa- 
tion of God's providence, haveing bin greater sufferers than other plantations 
in this CoUony, and thereby allsoe in some measure at the present incapaci- 
tated to rayse rates in the common way that is stated in the country law : m 
this our infant state do humbly request and desire of this Honoured Assembly 
that they would be pleased to graunt us at the present that privilidge (which 
wee understand hath been tormerly and of late graunted to other plantations 
in their beginning,) viz. that all rates that shall be raysed for the defraying 
of publicke charges may be levyed onely upon lands ; the farther grounds and 
reasons of this our request wee have desired Samuel Willcockson and Benajah 
Holecomb to represent to your Honours as our agents in this case : Who are 
your very Humble Servants. 

May 14th : 77. Samuel. Stone, 

Thomas Barbar, 
John Petybone, 
Joseph Phelps, 
Peeter Buell, 
John Drake, 
John Griffin, 
Michall Humphrey, 
John Humphrey, 
JosiAH Clark." 

General Court, May Session 1G77. "This Court upon the motion of 
the inhabitants of Simsbury, doe grant that the people of Simsbury shall have 
liberty to rayse their rates for the ministry and towne charges onely upon 
lands for the three next years ensueing this date, any law to the contrary not- 
withstanding. And in regard of the great loss that, that town hath received 
in the late warr, the Court have seen cause to remitt to the inhabitants of 
Simsbury that make their constant aboad (there,) their Country rates for the 
three next years ensueing both for persons, land and cattell." 



28 HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 

the actual settlers, was deemed so injurious to their rights, 
as to induce them, in 1679, to call a town meeting, and 
appoint agents to apply to the General Assembly for relief. 

In pursuance of this application, the General Court, at 
the October session, 1679, in view of aiding the settlement, 
and giving greater security to the inhabitants against any 
future invasion of the Indians, appointed a committee to 
determine ivhere the proprietors should build their respective 
mansion houses, and ordered the proprietors to occupy their 
premises, and construct dwelling-houses thereon, within 
the space of six months after the decision of the committee 
should have been made known.* This committee in the 
following March, decided that eleven of the proprietors 
should build at Captain Newberry's, now Westover's plain, — 
that thirteen persons, who had grants on Salmon brook, 
should build at the same place, to whom should be given 
houselots of three acres each, — that fifteen proprietors 
should build at Hop meadow, — four, who had not already 
houses, at Weatauge, west of the river, and thirteen on the 
east side of the river, — five at Terry's plain, — and nine on 
the east side of the mountain. This order included some 
proprietors who had not previously erected any house in the 
town. 

Some of the proprietors having neglected to comply with 

* " Upon the petition of John Terry and John Case in behalf of the town 
of Simsbury, that those who are proprietors of land in Simsbury might be 
compelled to com to their alottments and settle themselves, or som other 
suitable persons on their accomadations there ; This Court having consid- 
ered the sayd petition, doe nominate and appoynt Major John Talcott, Mr. 
James Richards, Mr. John Wadsworth and Capt. Benjamin Newberry, or any 
three of them, to be a comittee to take a view of the sayd plantation of 
Simsbury, and to appoynt the place or places where the inhabitants shall 
build and settle, so as may be most for their accomadation and safety, 
and when this is done, all such persons as have propriety there, and 
doe not com and build upon their accomadations or alotments, and setle 
some Inhabitants in them within the space of six months after the determin- 
ation of the sayd comittee, shall forfeit forty shillings pr year to the Town 
till he shall Build upon his sayd accomadations a good sufficient mansion 
house according to former order of court, except any particular person doe 
produce some grant that doth free him from this injunction formerly granted 
by this Court, or a committee impowered by this Court." 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 29 



') 



building-, were prosecuted for the penalties forfeited. They 
were all joined in one process. The following is a copy of 
the writ. 

" Captain Benjamin Newberry, Captain Daniele Clark, Quarter- 
master Bissell, Nathaniel Bissell, Samuel Bissell, Georg Grisowld, 
Timothy Phelps, Serg't Anthony Hoskins, Joseph Skinner, 
Thomas Egglston, Samuel Pinney, Aurther Henbery, Andrew 
Hylliard, John Drak. In his Majesties name, these are to require 
you, and every of you, to appeare at the County Court, to be 
holden in Hartford on the first thirsday in March next, and then 
and there to answer Thomas Barber, one of the Townsmen in Sims- 
bury, and such other as they shall appoynt as a commity, in behalf 
of said Towne of Simsbury, in their Complaynt made agaenst you 
and every of you, for that you have not errected mansion houseing 
upon your respective and particular house lots in Simsbury, accord- 
ing to the order of Court provided to that purposs, with the pen- 
alty anexed which has accrued, without payment whereof to the 
Towns usses. You may not faile to make your appearence. Feb. 
14, 1682. Per, John Talcott, Assistant." 

One of the persons sued, Capt. Benjamin Newberry, be- 
longed to the committee who made the very order, for trans- 
gressing which he was prosecuted ! The power exercised 
by the Assembly, and delegated to the committee in this 
matter, would, at the present day, be deemed exceedingly 
unjust and oppressive. But the proceedings, being in aid 
of the general welfare, were cheerfully acquiesced in, and 
had the effect, at least in some degree, of advancing the 
prosperity of the settlement. Still, the progress of improve- 
ment was slow. The injury sustained by the burning of 
the town was so great as to require, in the then impover- 
ished condition of the people, time to repair it. The set- 
tlement remained at a stand, or nearly so, for about ten 
years. There were no representatives elected by the town 
to the General Assembly, from 1675 until 1687 ; and there 
was no Colony tax levied until 1689. 



CHAPTER III 



History of the Massacoe Indians. Indian Hostilities after Philip's War. Captivity of 
Daniel Hayes. 1648—1750. 

At the commencement of the settlement, the number of 
Indians belonging to Massacoe, is not known, though it is 
manifest from historical data, that it must have amounted 
to several hundreds. Until after the war of 1676, they 
vastly exceeded the white population. They are supposed, 
originally, to have been revolters, or seceders, from other 
tribes more powerful, hostile, and warlike, from whom they 
withdrew to repose in greater security and peace in these 
vallies. Though not imbecile, nor cowardly, they clearly 
were not imbued with those warlike propensities, which 
prevailed more generally with their race in the eastern sec- 
tions of the Colony, or with the Mohawks, at the west. 
Their location, as well as their peaceable carriage, probably 
afforded them some protection against the assaults of more 
powerful tribes. Between their settlement and that of the 
Mohawks on the North river, there were none of their race, 
exce])t a few weak tribes on the Housatonuc river ; and at 
the north, there were none nearer than Deerfield, who weife 
particulaily distinguished for their attachment to war. And 
yet, there is evidence tending to prove that these now 
peaceful meadows had been the theater of war, and crim- 
soned with the blood of the red man, long before they were 
settled by the English. The arrow-heads found, are quite 
too numerous to allow the supposition, that a// of them could 
have been used for peaceable purposes. 

If the Massacoe Indians belonged to a distinct tribe, or 
tribes, as was probably the case, they seem to have been in 
some measure tributary to the Tunxus, or Farmington 
Indians, and with them, subject to some sort of allegiance 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 31 

to Soheag, the sachem of Mattabeset, now Middle town, who 
was the most powerful, of all the Indian chiefs, in this part 
of the Colony. 

The wigwams of the Masacoes were upon, or in the 
vicinity of the meadows, patches of which were cleared, 
and on which they cultivated corn. The river, and brooks, 
abounding with fish, and the forests with game, furnished 
them with the chief means of subsistence. When the white 
man appeared, he was not only received with hospitality, 
but was encouraged to settle with them. He had, at pleas- 
ure, their meadows, and other lands, at prices so low as to 
preclude all just notions of a valuable consideration paid 
for them. The first deed from them, of theMassacoe lands, 
is from Manahanoose, one of the chiefs, or headmen, who, 
as before stated, conveyed to Mr. John Griffin, all his right 
in these lands, in consideration of having destroyed, by fire, 
a quantity of pitch and tar, belonging to the grantee. At 
about the same time, there was given to Mr. Griffin another 
deed, or more correctly speaking, a contract to convey to 
him the same territory, signed by three other principal 
Indians, and given in consideration of the aforesaid destruc- 
tion of property, and that the offender, "their friend," who 
was in custody, had been released and restored to them. 
These deeds, in 1661, were assigned to a committee for the 
benefit of the Massacoe plantation. It is supposed that a 
few other deeds were given, to sundry individuals, though 
they do not appear on record. But such conveyances were 
illegal, being prohibited by the laws of the Colony, and 
transferred no title. 

The first purchase of the right of soil from the natives, 
by a formal deed, having the approbation of the govern- 
ment, was made in 1680. It is signed by Neschegan, Seakets 
Totoe, Aupes, Manconumph, and three squaws, and was 
approved by Waquaheag, alias Cherry, who was a Tunxus 
Indian, and, as is supposed, a chief of that tribe, — and con- 
veys to " Major John Talcott, Capt. Benjamin Newberry, 
Capt. Daniel Clarke, and Sergeant John Griffin, in behalf 
of the inhabitants and proprietors, of the land belonging to 



32 HISTORY OP SIMSBURY. 

the township of Massacoe, alias Simsbury, and their heirs 
and assigns forever, all that tract of land lying and being 
situate on Farmington bounds southward, and from thence 
to run ten large miles northerly, and from the bounds of 
Windsor town, on the east, to run ten large miles westward, 
the tract or parcel of land being ten miles square large." 
The deed contains a reservation of two acres of land to 
Mamanto, (husband of one of the squaws who had signed 
it,) lying in Weatauge, and to the grantors and their heirs, 
the right at all times " to hunt, fowl and fish," on the con- 
veyed premises. The consideration, expressed in the deed, 
consists of the aforesaid conveyances made to Mr. Griffin, 
and others, and "a valuable sum paid in full satisfaction," 
the amount of which is not stated. The deed is quite formal 
and technical — is witnessed by three white men, and five 
Indians, duly acknowledged, and is recorded on the town 
records of Simsbury, and the State records at Hartford. 
[Appendix A.] 

The consideration of this deed, whatever it was, not hav- 
ing been paid according to agreement, the Indians pressed 
Major Talcott for payment, and, as stated on the record, 
*' made a grievous complaint to the Major, and being inces- 
santly urging for their dues," the town " to still their accla- 
mations, and to bring to issue the said case, and to ease the 
Major of those vexatious outcries, made by the Indians, for 
their money," ordered the sale of one hundred and fifty acres 
of land, to raise funds by which to extinguish the debt. 

In February, 1689, the inhabitants, apprehending danger 
from the Indians, took measures to strengthen themselves, 
by living more compactly together. The people of Hop 
meadow proposed to those living at the north, or "lower 
meadows," and at Salmon brook, to remove to, and dwell 
in their settlement, offering to exchange lands with them. 
The offer was accepted, and many of these people removed 
to Hop meadow, though subsequently some of them returned 
to their former habitations. There were sixteen persons 
who liad entered into an agreement to remove. They were 
to build, and remove their respective families, within the 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 33 

space of one year, on penalty of ten pounds. The lo/s set 
out to them were on the west side of the street. 

For more than thirty years after Philip's war, in 1675, the 
inhabitants lived in almost daily apprehension of attacks 
from the Indians. The French, between whom and the 
English war prevailed during part of this time, and who 
had possession of Canada, used great efforts to incite the 
northern Indians to attack the white settlements, situated 
on the frontier. From its location, Sirnsbury, more than 
any other town in the Colony, was exposed to these 
invasions. 

Every precaution, however, which a people so weak in 
resources could adopt, was taken, both by the government 
and the town, to give protection to the inhabitants. Many 
houses were placed in a condition of defense, and some of 
them, at times of the greatest alarm, were protected by a 
garrison. Of these the Bestor house, at Weatauge, — the 
minister's house at Hop meadow, — a house at Westover's 
plain, — one at Salmon brook, — and one or two at Turkey 
Hills, are either known, or on traditionary evidence are sup- 
posed to be of the number. A supply of ammunition, pro- 
cured at the expense of the town, was always kept on hand. 
This ammunition, at one time, was kept at a house which 
stood on the east side of the river, on the spot where the 
house of Richard Bacon Ei^q. now stands, which was de- 
stroyed with all its contents, by the accidental burning of 
the house. There exists record evidence that the parson- 
age house, at Hop meadow, was fortified in 1690, and also in 
1700, and that two fortifications were erected in the town, 
one called the " Great Fort," which stood on the plain 
north of Saxton's brook, and another called " Shaw's Fort," 
situated about one mile nortli of Salmon brook street. These 
block-houses were probably constructed in 17C8, for, in that 
year, the General Assembly ordered the Committee of War 
to erect two garrisons in Sirnsbury, at the charge of the Col- 
ony, and supply them " with men and provisions," as there 
should be occasion. In 1707, there was an alarm spread 
that the Indians contemplated an invasion of the town, 
4 



34 HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 

when the Assembly granted seven pounds, from the treas- 
ury, to fortify it ; and the next year, a further grant of seven 
pounds six shillings was made, to pay the soldiers belonging 
to Simsbury, who had been employed under Capt. John 
Higley, in the public service.* 

The last alarm was in 1724. The conduct of the Indians 
at the north and west during this year, and especially their 
hostile movements in the vicinity of Litchfield, induced the 
government to take such precautionary measures as the 
occasion demanded, in order to furnish protection to the 
weak and exposed settlements. Aline of scouts was estab- 
lished, extending from Litchfield to Turkey Hills, curving 
around the most northerly and westerly settlements in 
Simsbury. 

On the 4th of June 1724, Captain Jlichard Case, of this 
town, was directed to employ ten men on this scouting 
party, to rendezvous at Litchfield. The men employed in 
this service, were sergeant Jonathan Holcomb, John Hill, 
Nathaniel Holcomb, Joseph Mills, William Buell, Samuel 
Pettibone, Joseph WiTcoxson, Benajah Humphrey, Nathan- 
iel Westover, and Charles Humphrey; — all belonging to 
Simsbury. They continued in the service until early in 
October. On the 24th of September, " captain Sprague 
with 22 sentinels joined the scout at Simsbury." Another 
force of eighteen men was employed in the summer " to 
join the grand scout." 

* Just previous to this, the Council of War, in February, 1707, passed the 
following resolutions. 

" Resolved, for the preservation of the frontier townes of Symsbury, Water- 
bury, Woodbury and Danbury, that order be sent to the Inhabitants of those 
townes to provide, with all possible speed, a sufficient number of well forti- 
fied houses, for the saftie of themselves and families, in their respective 
townes; The houses for fortifications to be appointed by the vote pf the major 
part of the Inhabitants of such respective townes assembled, if they can 
agree, — in case of their disagreement, to be appointed by the commission 
officers of the towne." 

" The scouts in Symsbury to be appointed and directed by the Major of the 
Countie. The charges to be borne by the Countie, as by law is provided." 

" Two fiithful and trusty men, as a scout to be out every day, to observe 
the motions of the enemy." 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 35 

During this summer, " a garrison" was constructed at 
Turkey Hills. In July, nine men were sent to man it, and 
subsequently a larger force, for the record of the Council of 
War (from which the above quotations are made) specifies 
that "thirty men, who had been sent to garrison at Sims- 
bury," were ordered to be disbanded in September. On 
the 12th of July, there was " an alarm at Turkey Hills," 
of a nature so serious, as to induce the Council to send there* 
forty-one soldiers from Windsor, and twenty-six from Hart- 
ford. It does not appear however that there was any sub- 
stantial ground to apprehend infmediate danger, for these 
troops were dismissed after one day's service. 

These precautionary measures were wisely taken. Stroll- 
ing parties of Indians had been lurking about the settle- 
ments during most part of the season, with the intention, 
evidently, of subjecting the weak and defenseless to the 
cruelties of their accustomed modes of warfare. They were 
prevented, however, by the prompt and efficient action of 
the government, from inflicting any general or extensive 
mjury. 

Although this w^as the last time when danger was seri- 
ously apprehended from the Indians, it was not until after 
the lapse of some years, that the people felt themselves in 
perfect security, or could entirely overcome that fear which 
the n'ursery tales of the times had kept alive long after all 
real danger had passed away. 

With the exception of some petty thefts, or trespasses, it 
is not known that the whites were ever materially injured 
by the Massacoe Indians, at least by that portion of them 
who continued to reside in the plantation. The burning of 
the town in 1676, as before stated, was the act of northern 
tribes, in which the Massacoe Indians, it is believed, did not 
participate. In this, as well as in subsequent wars during 
that century, all the Indians residing in the then county of 
Hartford, which included nearly one half of the Colony, 
joined the English by treaty stipulations, and proved them- 
selves not only true to their engagements, but serviceable 
as allies, and warriors. It is on record that, during the war 



36 HISTORY OP SIMSBURY. 

which commenced in 1675, no Indian belonging- to the 
county, had been convicted of any atrocious offence, com- 
mitted ag-ainst the white population. But, the latter could 
not, and did not, rest in security. They were exposed to 
sudden unforeseen attacks, and knew enough of the Indian 
character, to fear, if not to expect, treachery when help was 
most needed. 

The Massacoe Indians continued to reside with their new 
neighbors in harmony. But, their proximity to these settle- 
ments did not improve their condition, nor add to their hap- 
piness. The more bold and enterprizing portion of them, 
left for new habitations in distant forests, far from the 
encroachments of the white man. Many fled to the Housa- 
tonuc valley, at the breaking out of Philip's war. From 
these and other well known causes, their numbers were so 
diminished, that before the lapse of many years, they had 
become a small, and inefficient band. There were a few 
families remaining after 1710. One, possessed a few acres 
of land on the east side of the river, near the south line of 
the town, some years after this. About 1750, or within a 
few years thereafter, the last vestige of the race disappeared 
from the town. 

Of Indian names, but few are now known. Massacoe, 
and Tunxus, have become nearly obsolete. Wcalauge, 
which, fortunately, has been retained, — and a brook, within 
the present limits of Canton, which derives its name from 
an Indian chieftain. Cherry,* — are the only ones preserved, 
to remind us of the former owners and possessors of this 
soil. 

The natives had a place of sepulchre, near the house of 
the late Col. James Cornish. When the cellar of this house 
was excavated, a large number of human bones were dis- 
covered. Tradition says, that another place was used for 
this purpose, on a patch of rising groiuid in the rear of the 
house of Mrs. T. L. Bissell. 

Arrow-heads have been found, very frequently, in all 

* Cherry was a name given him by the English. His Indian name was 
yVaquaheag. 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 



37 



parts of the meadows where the lands have been cultivated 
by the plow. It is not uncommon, at the present day, to 
find them. Other relics too, have been found, occasionally, 
consisting- of articles used in war, in the cultivation of the 
soil, and for domestic purposes. In the meadows, westerly 
of the house of Richard Bacon Esq., such implements have 
often been discovered. Within a few years, Col. Aurora 
Case, in plowing- a new field, lying westerly of Mr. Robert 
J. McRoy's house, (formerly occupied by Mr. Stephen 
Terry,) found a stone mortar, and pestle, of Indian work- 
manship, used for pounding corn, which have been depos- 
ited in the archives of the Connecticut Historical Society. 

During the Indian disturbances in 1707, one of those 
events occurred, which, whenever they happened, spread 
terror and consternation througliout the infant settlements, 
and overwhelmed, with the deepest agony, the family con- 
nections of the sufferers. 

In the fall of 1707, Daniel Hayes, at the age of twenty- 
two years, was taken by the Indians and carried captive into 
Canada, He resided at Salmon brook, now the central part 
of Granby, which, being at that time the northern point of 
settlement in the town, was peculiarly exposed to sudden 
invasions by the Indians. The circumstances attending this 
transaction, as preserved by tradition, are as follows.* 

Some two or three years before Hayes was taken, he was 
at a house-raising in Weatauge, when, very inconsiderately, 
and out of mere wanton sport, he cut off the tail of a dog 
belonging to an Indian, who, a stranger and entirely 
unknown, happened to be present. Tlie master of the dog, 
though he uttered no complaint, manifested such emotions 
of ill will and revenge, that Hayes, before they separated, 

* The materials from which this account is compiled, were obligingly com- 
municated to the author by Samuel H. Woodruff and Ardon B. Holcomb 
Esq'rs, of Granby. Of the general correctness of the narrative, no reasonable 
doubt can be entertained, — as the facts have been derived, not only from the 
descendants of Mr. Hayes, but also from several aged people, all of whom 
concur in their statements regarding tlie main and important features of the 
transactioiL 

4* 



38 H I S T O R Y O F S I M S B U R Y . 

deemed it prudent for himself, to attempt to pacify iiim. 
He sought tlierefore a reconciliation, by proposing to drink 
together, and offered, moreover, reparation for the injury. 
But the Indian rejected all overtures, and left the ground, 
evidently in a surly and unreconciled mood of mind, and, 
probably, with malice and revenge deeply impressed upon 
his heart. Nothing afterwards being heard of the Indian 
or his dog, the circumstance, in a short time, if not forgot- 
ten, became unheeded. But, the events which follow were 
supposed to result from this affair.* 

On the ev^ening before his capture, there was a corn husk- 
ing party at the house of Mr. Hayes, when, in the course of 
conversation, he remarked that early in the ensiling morn- 
ing, he should endeavor to find his horse, which was feed- 
ing in the forests, and, as supposed, westerly of the settle- 
ment. This conversation, as appears from the sequel, was 
overheard by Indians, who were, at that time, lurking about 
the house, and who, it is supposed, from the information 
thus obtained, devised their plans of operation for the next 
morning. 

After the family had retired and were asleep, they were 
awakened by the barking of their dog, which manifested so 
much uneasiness as to induce Mr. Hayes to leave his bed, 
and, with his dog, to seek for the cause. Supposing the 
disturbance to have proceeded from the incursion of cattle 
into the corn-field contiguous to his house, (an ordinarj' 
occurrence in those days,) and finding it unmolested, he 
again sought repose in sleep. But the dog continued 
restive, and plainly made known, by his conduct, that there 
was something wrong in the neighborhood of the house. 



" Thus goes the story. But the author must be allowed to say, for him- 
self, tliat he very much doubts whether this affair had anything to do with the 
capture of Hayes, which took place some years afterwards. The Indians, it 
is well known, were incited to such deeds by the French in Canada, to whom 
they carried their captives, and by whom, as is supposed, they were rewarded 
for the service. The more correct supposition probably is, that the captors 
came into this weak settlement, to sieze and carry off any person who might 
be thrown in their way, and that they would have taken as readily any other 
person as Hayes, if an opportunity, equally as favorable, had occurred. 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 39 

The next morning-, at an early hour, Mr. Hayes, taking- 
with him a bridle, proceeded into the forests to lind his 
horse. His route led him to pass Stoney hill, a ridge of 
land stretching north and sontli about eighty rods westerly of 
Salmon brook street. Upon turning round the south point 
of this hill, he was seized by three Indians who sprang upon 
him from an ambush where they had secreted themselves 
from view. So suddenly and unexpectedly came this 
attack upon Hayes, that he was deprived of all power to 
make resistance, or even any attempt to escape. One 
Indian seized him by the throat — another, enjoined silence 
by putting a hand over his mouth — whilst the other, with a 
tomahawk raised over his head, enforced obedience and 
submission. They immediately bound his hands at his 
back with the throat-latch of the bridle, and, with their 
captive, hastily left the place, taking their course in a noith- 
ern direction. 

Another account states that Hayes was accompanied by a 
Mr. Lamson, who, being an agile and athletic man, outran 
the Indians and effected his escape — that the number of 
Indians, belonging to the party, amounted to five or more ; 
and that the transaction was witnessed by a Mrs, Holcomb, 
wife of a Mr. Nathaniel Holcomb, who was in the fields 
that morning milking, but who, from considerations relating 
to her own safety, was deterred from retnrning home, or 
giving an alarm, until the Indians with their captive had 
left the place. 

Very soon, however, the usual alarm was spread, and a 
force was raised sufficient to make pursuit. Immediate 
effort was made to relieve the captive, and punish the 
aggressors. And notice of the calamity having been sent 
to Windsor, a larger force came from that town to the 
rescue. The route taken by the Indians was found and 
traced, and, at times, the marks of their tracks appeared so 
fresh, that strong hopes were entertained of overtaking 
them. But, their superior cunning in such exploits, with 
their fleetness in passing through the wilderness, enabled 
them to avoid their pursuers, and escape with their prisoner. 



40 HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 

In the mean time Hayes, knowing that any symptoms of 
lagging- on his part would probably cost him his life, and 
supposing, moreover, that in no event would his captors, if 
closely pursued, suffer him to live, exerted himself to keep 
up with them. And he soon found he could do this witliout 
much fatigue, for he was robust, and accustomed to such 
traveling. On one occasion, during this journey, when his 
companions wished to test his fleetness, he outstripped them 
so far that tliey were on the point of shooting him to stop 
his progress. He might then have escaped, as he after- 
wards said, " if he had had his thoughts about him." 

On the first night after his capture, the party encamped 
at the foot of Sodom mountain. He was secured, during 
the night, by being placed upon his back, with each arm 
and ancle strongly fastened to a sapling, and with sticks so 
crossing his body as to be lain upon by an Indian on each 
side. He passed most of the nights, bound in this manner, 
during his long march to Canada. On the second day, the 
party crossed Connecticut river, by fording and swimming, 
and spent the ensuing night at the base of Mount Holyoke. 

In this manner, they proceeded from day to day, up the 
valley of Connecticut river and through the wilderness, on 
their route to Canada. Many incidents occurred, which 
Hayes used to relate. One evening, the little savages, 
belonging to a village where the party had stopped, 
annoyed him by tickling his feet as he lay before a fire with 
his arms pinioned as usual. Bearing this annoyance as 
long as his patience would allow, he attempted to get rid of 
his tormentors by using his feet in self-defense — during 
which process, some of them were kicked into the fire. He 
expected nothing short of death for this aggression, but was 
agreeably surprised when the fathers of the burnt children, 
instead of offering violence, patted him on his shoulders 
and exclaimed " boon ! "* 



* If this word is correctly handed down, it was intended probably, for the 
French word bon, and used on this occasion to express approbation. The 
northern Indians, at this time, were in the habit of using a few words derived 
from the French. 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 41 

They were nearly thirty days on this journey, during all 
which lime the sufferings of poor Hayes were excessive, and 
almost without intermission. Subjected to hard toil through 
each day, witli no sustenance save what the forests and 
rivers furnished, and deprived at night of rest, by tlie man- 
ner of binding his limbs, he had that to sustain whicli, in 
most cases, would have brought the sufferer to the grave. 
But Hayes, if he must be a victim, determined that he at 
least would not voluntarily contribute to hasten the sacrifice. 
He possessed that happy faculty of making, at all times, the 
best of his condition. His cheerfulness, though assumed — 
his ability to endure fatigue and hardships — andhis apparent 
stoical indifference to his fate, secured the good opinion of 
his comrades, and tended to lighten his burdens, and, possi- 
bly, to prolong his life. Indulgence in despondency could 
bring no relief, and would, as he well knew, but render 
more bitter the cup of his afflictions. He very wisely 
therefore made up his mind " to make a virtue of neces- 
sity," by submitting with the best possible grace to that fate 
which he too well knew awaited him. 

The Indians told him, on the journey, of their lying 
about his house on the night before he was taken, and of 
iheir overhearing the conversation relating to his intention 
to proceed, on the next morning, into the wilderness to find 
his horse; which information, thus obtained, induced them 
to lie in wait atStoney hill in order to capture him. They 
also told him that they had been lurking about the settle- 
ment some days, seeking an opportunity to secure a captive, 
or commit some other depredation. 

When they arrived at the great Indian encampment on 
the borders of Canada, the prisoner was delivered over to 
the council of the nation, to be disposed of as they should 
adjudge. By their decision, he was doomed to undergo the 
painful ordeal oi ^'^ running the gauntlet y Being stripped 
to his skin, and annointed according to custom, he com- 
menced the course ; and after many flagellations and hard 
knocks received, when approaching near the end of the 
line, being exhausted and faint, he bolted from the course to 



42 HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 

avoid a blow from an upraised war club, and sought safety 
by fleeing into a wigwam, at the door of which sat a super- 
annuated and infirm squaw. He was pursued, but the 
squaw proclaimed the house sacred, and its inmates pro- 
tected from injury. By her intercession, and especially by 
the deference paid to a place thus sanctified according to the 
rites of Indian superstition, *' the appetite of the savage 
for blood was stayed." 

The squaw, whose husband and only son had fallen in 
war, claimed the captive, and adopted him as her son. She 
was destitute, and so infirm as to be unable to walk. 
Hayes, in addition to minor duties, was compelled to provide 
for her sustenance and fuel. He administered to her wants, 
and devoted to her the kindest attentions, — and she, in 
return, evinced her gratitude, by calling him her son ! He 
lived in this family about five years ; and although, during 
this time, he fared better, perhaps, than most Indian cap- 
tives, yet existence, in his then condition, had for him but 
few charms, and the future unveiled to his view no cheering 
prospect. He was in bondage, compelled to adopt the 
customs and modes of life of savages, and was deprived of 
almost every comfort deemednecessary by civilized people. 
Besides, he could entertain no reasonable hope of being 
restored to his home and kindred — and more than all, his 
life was at the mercy, w^him, or caprice, of savage masters. 

One of the tasks imposed upon him, in the winter 
season, was to draw upon a sled his Indian mother to such 
places as she wished to visit, and especially to the feasts 
and council assemblages of her tribe. Upan occasion of a 
" dog feast " which, by the usages of her people, all were 
expected to attend, he proceeded with her, in this manner, 
until, ascending a hill which was steep and slippery, he 
found bis strength, when put to its utmost power, barely 
adequate to make any headway. By perseverance and 
exertion however, he was enabled to reach nearly the sum- 
mit of the hill, when he slipped and fell ; and either by 
design, or inability to hold on, left the sled with its mortal 
load, to find the bottom of the declivity without a pilot — 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 43 

secretly wishing, no doubt, that her appetite for riding would 
be cured by this trip. In this perilous adventure, the sled 
struck a stump near the foot of the hill, which capsized the 
squaw, who was severely injured by the fall. Whether an 
accident or not, Hayes professed much sorrow for the disas- 
ter, and managed the affair so adroitly, that he escaped 
every imputation of blame, and continued to retain the 
confidence and good opinion of the Indians. 

Shortly after this event, he was sold to a Frenchman in 
Montreal, through the agency, it is said of a Papist priest. 
His new master was kind, and allowed him many of 
the necessaries, with some of the luxuries, of life, of which 
he had been so long deprived. Learning that Hayes was by 
trade a weaver, he started him in this business, and by 
allowing him a share of the profits, Hayes was enabled, in 
the course of about two years, to earn money enough to 
purchase his freedom. The good Frenchman not only 
emancipated him, but supplied him with clothes, provis- 
ions, and a half breed guide to conduct him safely through 
the waning tribes on his journey homeward. The guide 
proceeding with him as far as Mount Holyoke, pointed out 
to him the smokes of his friends, "the pale faces," wished 
him a happy return to his family, and departed, in another 
direction, to wend his way back to Canada. In about 
twenty-five days after leaving Montreal, Hayes had the 
happiness to reach his home, and to exchange hearty greet- 
ings and congratulations with his fiiends, to whom he 
appeared almost " as one raised from the dead." 

Thus, after an absence of about seven years, the captive 
was restored to freedom, a home and a happy circle of 
relatives and fiiends. He had heard nothing from his 
family since his capture, nor had they received any tidings 
of him, though they either knew, or had good reason to 
suppose, that lie had been taken and carried off by the 
Indians. His friends had flattered themselves, for a long 
while, that he would be spared to return to them, but his 
long absence had extinguished every vestige of hope, and 
he had for some time been given up as lost. 



44 HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 

With buoyant spirits, renovated courag-e and unshaken 
resolution, he set himself to the task of making- up for the 
lost time he had spent with the Indians. His constitution, 
naturally robust, had suffered nothing by his long captivity, 
and his ambition had lost none of its fire. He married, 
settled down upon a farm, and within a short time, became 
a thriving- agriculturist. In 1720, he built a house which 
is now standing, and is the oldest building in town. It is 
situated on the east side of Salmon brook street, in the 
lower or southern part of the street, and is at present owned 
by Mr. Hepry Gillett. In this house, religious meetings 
were held during some four or five years before the erection 
of the first meeting house in that society, in 1743. 

Mr. Hayes became a prominent citizen, was often em- 
ployed in civil affairs, and during many years, was a pillar 
in the church at Salmon brook, of which he was a member 
at its organization. He lived to see the infant settlement, 
so long exposed to Indian barbarities, a populous village, 
with no crafty enemy to disturb its repose, and strong 
enough, had danger existed, to protect its inhabitants from 
plunder or capture. But, long before his death, all Indian 
difficulties had ceased. 

He died in 1756, at the age of seventy-one, and was 
buried in the cemetery at the north end of the village. A 
red free-stone monument marks the spot of his last resting- 
place, on which is inscribed the following epitaph : 

HERB LIES, TK BODY OF 

Mr. DANIEL HAYEKS, 

Who served his Generation in steady course of Probity and Piety, 

and was a lover of Peace, and God's Public Worship ; 

And being satisfied with Long life, 

left this world with a Comfortable Hope of life Eternal, 

Sept. 3d, 17.50, 

in ye 71 year of his Age. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Location and erection of tlie First Meeting House. Employment and Settiement of 
Clergymen. 167J— 1725. 

The first settlers took early measures to establish a minis- 
try, and erect a house for public worship. With them, these 
were objects of high regard and duty. Nearly their first 
care was to provide for the regular administration of the 
ministry; to obtain which, they assumed burdens which, in 
the infancy of the settlement, they were but poorly able to 

bear. 

As early as 1671, the town adopted measures to build a 

meeting house. All ecclesiastical affairs, it shovild be recol- 
lected, were at this time, and until the town was divided 
into several societies, nearly seventy years afterwards, man- 
aged in town meetina^s. A contract was entered into with 
Mr. Thomas Barber, a carpenter, to erect the building. 
But a difficulty soon arose, concerning its location, which 
retarded the work many years, though the timber for the 
building had been procured and framed before the war of 
1675. The controversy was the same as that which, many 
years afterwards, caused so much excitement among the 
people, and arose from the question whether the house 
should be placed on the east or loest side of the river. The 
town had once voted to place the building on the east side 
of the river — at another meeting, at Hop meadow, near the 
dwelling-house of the late Gen. Phelps; and then again to 
submit the question to Mr. Stone, the clergyman, for a decis- 
ion, who decided in favor of Hop meadow, but at still 
another place. 

Under these circumstances, the inhabitants of the town, 
finding that they could not settle the question among them- 
selves, agreed to leave the matter with Major Talcott and 
5 



46 HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 

Capt. Allyn, the Secretary, for a decision. These gentlemen, 
decided in favor of Hop meadow, the house to be placed in 
front of the bur3'ing- ground, and advised the people " to a 
cheerful, loving compliance and condescendency, one unto 
another, in joining together in the building of a house for 
the public worship of God in that place."* 

But this decision did not suit the majority, and it was 
rejected at a town meeting by eighteen votes against twelve. 
Finally, it was mutually agreed by the inhabitants to settle 
the question by lot. This agreement was reduced to writing, 
and with the subsequent proceedings were placed upon the 
public records. They are as follows : 

" May ye 7th 1683. Whereas, th^re has been a difference ari- 
sing amongst us, concerning ye selling the place of ye meeting- 
house ; that a setled peace may be obtained amongst us, to ye- 
glory of God, and comfort of ourselves and ours, we whose names 
are underwritten, do so agree and apoint, as soon as may be com- 
fortably be obtained, a day solemnly to meet togeather, in a solemn 
manner, to cast lots for ye place where ye meeting house shall 
stand ; — the places nominated are two — at hop-meadow, at ye 
place where ye Major pitcht ye stake, the other place on ye east 
side of ye river, at ye nap at ye southerly end of Terrye's plain, 
southerly side of ye little springy place where ye spring issues out 
of ye ground neer against Samuel Pinneye's land ; — and where ye 
providence of God casts it, so to silt down contented ; and that ye 
present bargain and building indented with Thomas Barber shall 
stand, and building at ye Towns charge to be transported and set 
up at the place ye providence of God, by lot, shall cast it. 

Joshua Holcomb, Nicolas Gozar, 

John Case Senr, Nicolas Evens, 

Michall Humphris, An Irew Hiliver, 

Simon Mills, Jeremiah Gillett, 

John Moses, Eleazer Hill, 

John Pettibone Senr, Samuel Humphris, 

John Terry, John Williams, 

Joseph Phelps, George Sanders, 

Arthur Henbery, William Persons, 

John Slater, Samuel Willson, 



* It would seem that Major Talcott, who, for many years, had much to do 
with the affairs of the town, had previously to this time, been called out, 
either by request of the people of the town or by appointment of the General 
Court, to fix the site of the meeting house; and that he had established its 
location on the west side of the river,. But his decision was not acquiesced in. 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 47 

John Humphris, Ebenezer Parsons, 

Luke Hill, Joseph Persons, 

Daniel Adams, Thomas Griffen, 

John Griffen, y/ Richard Seger, 

Samuel Persons, Elias Gillet, 

Edward Pearce, Josiah Owen, 

To ye Worshipful! Maj. Talcott and Capt Allyn— we ye Inhab- 
itants of Simsbury, being mett May ye 7th 1683, have concluded 
as is here written, are desirous that you would be pleased to give 
your aprobation of ye same. 

Pr. John Slater, Register. 

May 8, 1683. The above written agreement of ye above sd is 
well approved by, 

John Talcott, 
John Allyn. 

At a solemn meeting on May 24, 1683— whereas there is two 
papers put into ye hatt ; one east, and ye other for ye west side 
of the River, for ye decision of ye two places formerly nominated. 
It is now agreed, that ye first paper that is drawn shall be the lott 

this voted. The lott that came forth was for ye west side of ye 

River. 

Memorandum. These papers that ware written for ye lott, 
were written by Joshua Holcomb ; — ye lott drawn, which was ye 
decision of ye controversy, was drawn by William Parsons, men 
living both on ye east side ye River."* 

All cheerfully submitted to this decision, and the house 
was speedily erected and covered in. It was twent3''-eight 
by twenty-four feet, with fourteen feet posts, and, for about 
two years, was left wholly unfinished inside. In 1685, a 
floor was put in, seats or benches furnished, and a pulpit 
built. In 1696 the building was ceiled, and supplied, for 
the first time, with windows and a gallery. It was never 

*This list of names, containing thirty-two persons, comprised, it is believed, 
all the legal voters of the town in 16S3. Of these, Arthur Henbury removed 
to Hartford about 1691, where he died without male issue. John Williams 
owned the farm now in possession of the heirs of Salmon Eno, deceased. He 
died, or left the place, before 1700. George Saunders bought the Wolcott 
farm about 1681, which he a few years afterwards sold to John Higley, and 
left the town. The name of Samuel Wilson does not appear after 1694. 
Joseph Parsons, (here spelt Persons,) died in 16S7. Samuel and Ebenezer 
Parsons, both died or removed, before 1701. All the others named, continued 
residents of the town some years, and, as supposed, until their decease. 



48 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 



painted — though the town once voted " to daub it" — mean- 
ing, it is supposed by this phrase, some process of whitewash- 
ing. The house stood in front of the burying ground, at 
Hop meadow, a few feet north of the present school-house, 
where some of its foundation stones are still visible. It was 
used for public worship, and town meetings, nearly sixty 
years, though for much of this lime, it was evidently too 
small to furnish the inhabitants with suitable accommo- 
dations. 

Resolutions, or Votes, passed by the Town relating to the Loca- 
tion of the fleeting House. 1671 — 1677. 

" At a mettingof ye hihabitants of Simsbury and proprietors 
May ye 5. 1671 — was voted that the metting house should he at 
Hope meadow by Luke Hills, and caryed by ye major part, by 
tbure persons." 

" March 17. 1673. At a metting of the Inhabitants and propri- 
etors propounded, in case the former vote stands on the Mest syde 
the river, thej' on the east syd of the river should chuse the place 
w^here ye metting house should stand, and ye second proposition 
that those shuld heave free liberty to bring in ye voles who were 
wanting when ye metting was at Captain Cooke's, May ye 5 
1671." 

" May ye 30. 1673. For the sellement of peace amongst us as 
concerning a contest about ye meting house, and for the finall issu- 
ing of the same, we condesend for peace and quietness sak that 
Mr. Stone according to his desire should determine which of the 
two places the metting house should be at, whether against 
Thomas Rowell's, or upon the nape against the personage land ; 
This, voted, and carryed by a clear vote except by to persons, 
Joshua Holcomb do protest against ye sam, and Joseph Phelps. 
At the sam metting, determined by Mr. Stone ytye metting house 
should stand at ye place fore viewed against ye personage land 
where it is most convenient." 

" March 73-74. At a metting of ye Inhabitant and proprietors 
about ye metting house, it was there voted that the metting house 
should be sett about Luke Hill's in the place most convenient ; — 
this done in ye presence of Major Talcott." 

" June ye eighth 1674. At a towne meetting of ye inhabitants 
of Simsbury, for a finall issue amongst us concerning the setlment 
of the metting house — we do condesend, so that love and peace 
may be obteynd, we mutualy agree that the metting house shall 
stand at ye place so to be seated, and seated at that place against 
Samuel Pinney's, or Rowell's, upon that nape where Major Tal- 
cott sett a stake." 

" January ye 8. 1677. At a general Towne metting of ye 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 49 

Inhabitants of Simsbury, voted and agreed that Thomas barber 
shall goe on with the building of the metting house according to 
the Townes bargain with him in their indenture, as their the con- 
ditions is specified ; and m case of faylure on his peart the town 
has fully invested ye townsmen with powers to prosecut the same 
to effect ye next March Court." 

The first clero:yman employed was Mr. Samuel Stone, 
son of the minister at Hartford. He oflRciated as early as 
1673, and in the spring of 1674 the inhabitants gave him a 
call to settle with them. But the Indian war, which fol- 
lowed soon afterwards, with other causes, prevented a set- 
tlement. He, however, supplied the pulpit, when there 
was any preaching in the place, until 1679 ; but he was 
never settled over the parish. 

Under the date of " December the last 1674," is this 
record : — 

" The inhabitants of vSimsbury have received information from 
Mr. Stone yt he w^ould desist in the worke of the Ministry, alias, 
the publick preaching of ye word of God in this plantation of Sims- 
bury : — ye sd inhabitants of Simsbury haveing made an essay for 
some other to suply, but now the sd inhabitanls doth concurre and 
ai^ree to Desist their present proceedeng, respecting sending forth,, 
till the last of January ; desiring to wait upon God in his provi- 
dence, to se how Matters may concord between us, the sd inhab- 
itants of Simsbury, and Mr. Stone." 

At another meeting, held January 14, 1674-5, they say: — 

" Considering how that on the Lord's day we are, and have ben, 
disappoynted of the publick preaching of the word of God ; and 
considering our present state and condition in this present juncture 
of time, and how that God cals upon us, by our pious and Godly 
rulers, wdio have exerted and put forth good and wholesome laws 
for people's convening and metting togather in a conscitncuss 
maner, to serve the lord in his worship, on ye Lord's day ; — and 
further, that in solemn and general metings, on ye lords day, yt so 
there might the belter be notice taken in what manor our society 
keeps the Lords day, and also an acount given to such as may ask 
or enquier after ye same of our order &c ;. — it is now ordered, that 
their be a general convening and gathring together of our people, 
in this plantation of Simsbury, to the place which is ordered and 
appoynted for the metting together on the Lords day; yet if any 
of us, our peopl, can repair to any other place, where there is bet- 
ter means to be had, this order, according to the intent hereof, is 
not to abridge such ; — otherwise, this order to be attended, and 

5* 



50 HISTORY OP SIMSBURY. 

duely observed, by all such as do not repaire, every sabath, where 
there is the publyquick preaching of ye word of God, unlesse 
som imminent providence of God hinders." 

On the 28th of January 1674-5, the following "agree- 
ment," as it is called, was entered into with Mr. Stone. 

" At a General Town metting of the inhabitants of Simsbury ; 
Having received an Answer from Mr. Stone, that he could not 
settle amongst us, in the work of the ministry, by reason of his 
Disabilitie, and weakness of body : We the said Mr. Stone, and 
the inhabitants of -Simsbury, then parted without any spirit of 
grudging ; — also it was agreed, by the inhabitants, to pay Mr. 
Stone forty pounds for this last year ; Mr. Stone making up the 
last quarter in preaching at such times as God shall enable him." 

In January, 1675-6, Mr. Stone was employed for another 
half year, for which he was to have twenty pounds. Public 
service was interrupted by the war. He was afterwards 
hired for one year from June 1, 1677, and subsequently still 
another year. He died, soon after leaving Simsbury, by a 
fall from the bridge in Hartford. 

In 1681, application was made to the Rev. Mr. Samuel 
Stow, of Middletown, to preach in this place. He supplied 
the pulpit four years, though not as a settled pastor.* Du- 
ring his ministry, the church was formed, and regularly 
organized. In those days, the General Court had jurisdic- 

* " At a General Towne matting of the Inhabitants of Simsbury August 14. 

,. 16S5. The Rev. Mr. Samuel Stow desiring an answer of the inhabitants of 
Simsbury whether they would continue him in the work of the ministry, and 
settle him in ofhce amongst them; A meting being warned Aug. 14. IBS;'), 
Mr. Stow's proposition pre-sented to the towne, the towne not seeing cause to 
accept of said proposition as to his settlement and calling to office, but to the 

, contrary. Upon which Vote the towne made choice of a committee to 
declare their said vote to Mr. Stow, and to make return of his answer to this 
saiij present meeting. Answer from Mr. Stow to the towne, that he ye said 
Mr. Stow did rejoyce that he had received the towne's pleasure respecting 
himselfe ;. having ben with God by earnest prayer to give him a determena- 

. tion of his mynd, concerning his settlement in this place in the work of the 
ministry ; — farther according to the towne's order, it being referred to ye Rev. 
Mr. Stow whether he would continue any longer in ye work of a teaching 
minister. His reply that he would stay no longer than to mak up his four 
years which wil terminate said he in the middle of October ; — farther said 
that he should rejoyce to hear of our welfare, and that he would be helpfull 
in the procuring of another minister to ye place." 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 51 

tion over all matters of this kind. The following is a copy 
of the application made for liberty " to put the church in 
gospel order." 

" The Humble Motion of Simsbury men, to the much Honor'd 
ye Governor, and Deputy, with the rest of ye worshipfull Assist- 
ants, and worthy Members of this Honor'd assembly, is as fol- 
loweth. 

We, whose names are underwritten, having knowledg and tryal 
of Mr. Samuel Stow, in ye labors of ye word and Doctrine of the 
gospel, do hereby manifest, so far as we know our own hearts, our 
hearty desires of his continuance to be a Pastor and Watchman 
over our soules and the soules of ours ; And that therefore for his, 
and our encouragements, an addresse might be made to the Gene- 
ral Court yt is to set this Instant of May, or that ye presentation 
of this may be, instead of an addresse, (by formal petition,) to their 
Honours, That we might have their countenance to sette our- 
selves in gospel order, wth the approbation and helpe of approved 
Elders of Churches among us ; That so we might, according to ye 
obligation yt God hath layd upon us, through ye application 
of ye representative blood of his Son, walk mour orderly to his 
prase, and the Salvation of our Soules, in observance of whatso- 
ever he hath commanded us in his Holy worde, having ye means 
and helps that he hath appointed thereunto. 
Simsbury ye 7th of May 1682." 

Simon Mills, Joshua Houlcoumbe, 

Samuel Wilcockson, Michell Humphrey, 

George Sanders, John Terrey, 

William Parsons, John Case, Senior, 

John Brooks, John Slater, 

Daniel Adams, John Pettibon, 

Thomas Rowell, Peter Buell, 

Sam'l Humphrey, Nathaniel Holcomb, 

Richard Segar, Josiah Owen, 

John Moses, Joseph Phelps, 

Joseph Parsons, Benjamin Bartlett, 

May 14th, 1682. 

Mr. Samuel Stow, and Michall Humphrey, are chosen 
to present this present Motion, above written, to this Honored 
General assembly at Hartford, chosen by the Inhabitants of Sims- 
bury, — as adopted ; 

pr 

John Slater, Register." 

The Assembly granted the application of the petitioners, 
on condition that they should obtain the consent of the 
neighboring churches ; — a condition which, at that time, 
was always required in matters of this kind. This assent 



52 HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 

was obtained, and a church was regularly constituted here, 
it is supposed, during that year. 

From this period, until 1687, it does not appear that any 
person officiated in the ministry. In June of this year, Mr. 
Edward Thompson, of Newbury, Massachusetts, was em- 
ployed ; the inhabitants agreeing to remove his family and 
effects to Simsbury, — to pay him fifty pounds per annum, 
" in good and current pay, to wit, one third in good and 
merchantable wheat at four shillings per bushel, one third 
in pease or rye at three shillings per bushel, and one third 
in Indian corn or pork, the corn at two shillings sixpence 
per bushel, and the pork at three pounds ten shillings per 
barrel," — allowing him also fire wood and the use of the 
parsonage property ; and in case of his settlement with 
them, certain lands in fee. This agreement is signed by 
forty-nine' persons, containing, it is believed, nearly all the 
then legal inhabitants of the place ; the invitation to Mr. 
Thompson was adopted unanimously at a general town 
meeting held ot the same time. Mi. Thompson continued 
in the ministry, though not, it is believed, as a settled pastor, 
until the summer of 1691, when he left the place. 

The next minister was Mr. Seth Shore, who commenced 
his ministry in the fall of 1691. In the following winter, 
the town gave him a formal call to settle with them in the 
ministry, which was accepted. But the records do not show 
that he was ever ordained over the society as a pastor. He 
continued to preach, however, until 1694, or 1695. 

In 1695, the town voted, unanimously, to send again for 
Mr. Thompson, but he did not comply with the invitation 
to return to Simsbury. 

Mr. Dudley Woodbridge, after having preached a short 
time in the place, received an unanimous call to settle in 
the work of the ministr}^ October' 2, 1695. The toAvn 
offered him a salary of sixty pounds, annually, in good cur- 
rent pay, of which twenty pounds were to be paid in silver, 
with fire wood, the parsonage property, and other lands 
which had been offered to Mr. Thompson. He did not 
accept the call at that time, though he continued to offi- 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 53 

ciate as minister. August 23, 1696, the call was renewed 
by an unanimous vote. Under date of September 20, of this 
year, is this record : — 

" Whereas, there arises some demur, in refFerence to our pre- 
ceding actions, touching our gathering a church here in Simsbury, 
by some of the elders of the neighboring churches; — presupposing 
that we lye under scandol, by reason of the minister's departing 
and leaving of us destitute — they desiring to be better informed of 
said mator. Ensign Thomas Barber is chosen, by the congregation, 
to go to Mr. Hooker ; and Serg't Samuel Wilcoxson, to go to Mr. 
Mather, for to inform them about ye said case, and the agitation 
thereof.* 

" Further voted, by those persons that have subscribed to be 
admited to ye Lords super, that they are willing to be examined, 
and tried, as to their knowledge, and fitness, for such fellowship 
and ordinance, by the elders of other churches." 

This matter seems to have been settled satisfactorily. 
Whether it ever had any weight with Mr. Woodbridge, in 
inducing a postponement of his ordination, is not known. 
The town having made grants of other lands, on condition 
of his settlement, he accepted the terms, and was ordained 
pastor of the church, Nov. 10, 1697. 

Among the articles furnished at the ordination, are the 
following, which are here noted to show the prices of pro- 
visions at that period. Half a lamb of mutton, 2s. 6c/. — 
butter, six pence per pound — four pounds of sugar, 25. 6d'. — 
half a bushel indian meal, I*. 3d. — two fowls, 8d. — eighty- 
four pounds of beef, 155. — thirty pounds venison, 3s, 9d. — 
nineteen pounds of pork, 4s. 9c?. — nine pounds of mutton, 
2s. — two gills of rum, 9d. 

Reduced to the present currency, the price of beef was 
three cents a pound — mutton, three avd a half cents, — and 
venison two cents. 

He was the first ordained minister in the town, and con- 
tinued here in the ministry, until his death, August 3, 17J0, 
greatly beloved by his people, and, for aught that appears, 
having ever discharged the duties of his office with great 

♦ Both Clergymen. Mr. Hooker preached at Faimington,and Mr. Mather 
at Windsor. 



54 HISTORY OP SIMSBURY. 

fidelity. He was son of the Rev. Mr. Woodbridge, of 
Wethersfield, a family distinguished for their attachment to 
the profession of the ministry. His wife's maiden name was 
Dorothy Lamb, of Roxbury, Massachusetts. 

He resided on a lot, known for many years as the parson- 
age lot, on the east side of the road, nearly opposite the; 
house of the late Gen. Noah Phelps, deceased. The well, 
belonging to the house, was discovered a few years since, 
covered over. In 1700, the town voted to fortify his house, 
by building a stockade or palisade around it. This was 
done, and the house continued, for many years, as the place 
of resort for all the inhabitants in that vicinity, when danger 
was threatened, or expected. His successor, the Rev. Tim- 
othy Woodbridge, occupied the same house many years, 
and until he removed to another, which he built, and which 
stood upon the same spot as the one now occupied by Doct. 
Augustus R. Case.* 

From a manuscript church record kept by Mr. Wood- 
bridge, now in a mutilated condition, it appears, that at the 
time of his ordination, there were forty-three persons belong- 
ing to the church ; — seventeen women, and twenty-six men, 
including one Indian. 

The form of church covenant used at this time was as 
follows : 

" You do all here, solomnely here in the feare of God's all pres- 
ence of this congregation, avouch God in Jesus Christ to be your 
God ; — and you do give up yourselves and j-ours to be the Lord's, 
to submit to his rule and government in his church, to obey his 
commands, walke in all Religious duties towards God ; in love 
towards your neighbors ; — and that you will do your duty in bring- 
ing up your children in the knowledg and feare of God according 
to the scriptures." 

* The Wyllis family of Hartford, with whom the Woodbridges were allied, 
were often visitors at the old mansion ; and in the spring season, came fre- 
quently to fish for salmon, which were then abundant in the river. Long 
after the decease of the last Mr. Woodbridge, and after the house had been 
demolished, some members of this family visited its site, and collected relics 
from the remains of its foundation walls. 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 55 

" The names of those promising so to do, are as followeth : — 

Thomas Barbur, Nathaniel Holcomb, 

Peter Buell, Joseph Strickland, 

Samuel Case, Jeremiah Gillitt, 

John Slater, Sen. Mascalin, (Indian,) 

Jonah Westover, Ruth Holcomb, 

John Pettibon,tSen. Sarah Pettibonft 

Andrew Hillyard, Elizabeth Holcomb, 

John Pettibone, Jun. Deborah Moses, 

Thomas Holcomb, Mary Humphris, 

Samuel Humphries, Mary Bisel, 

Thomas Griffin, Elizabeth Tullor, 

Sam'l Willcockson, Sen. Abigail Backon, 

John Case, Sarah Hill, 

Sam'l Willcockson, Jun. Elizabeth Gozzard, Sen. 

Joseph Case, Sarah Mills, 

Eliezer Hill, Elizabeth Gozard, 

John Mills, Deborah Addams, 

James Hillyard, Sarah Hill, 

John Tullor, Hannah Holcomb, 

William Case, Marey Barbur, 

John Slater, Jun. Elizabeth Strickland. 

These are the names of those men and women that were 
accepted for full communion in Simsbury at the Lord's table, by 
the Elders of the Church signino; their names." 

It would seem that all the old members of the church 
renewed their covenants, according to this form, after Mr. 
Woodbridge's ordination. 

After the death of the Rev. Dudley Woodbridge, the 
pulpit was supplied by his kinsman, Mr. Timothy Wood- 
bridge, Jr. of Hartford, on probation. His services being 
acceptable, the inhabitants at a town meeting, held January 
3, 1712, invited him, by a unanimous vote, to become their 
settled pastor. The invitation was accepted'. The terms of 
settlement, as agreed upon, were^ — the payment of ninety 
pounds in lands — one hundred and ten pounds, in provision 
pay, one half thereof payable in 1715, and the residue in 
1716, — a yearly salary for the first four years, of seventy 
pounds, and his fire wood, and thereafter, one hundred 
pounds annually, payable, in both cases, in provision pay, 
according to the price of provisions, as stated by the Gene- 



56 HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 

ral Court, yearly. Those who paid their rates in money, were 
to be allowed a discount of one third of the amount of such 
rates.* 

Mr. Woodbridge was ordained November 13, 1712, and 
continued in the ministry until his decease, August 28, 
1742. He was a gentlemen of education, piety and good 
talents ; but, as will appear in other parts of this history, he 
was extensively engaged in worldly avocations, and specu- 
lations — a fault, if it be such, which was not uncommon, at 
that period, among his brethren in the ministry. He mar- 
ried the relict of the former Mr. Woodbridge, by whom he 
had several children. The Woodbridges, now residing in 
this town, are among his descendants. His widow, who 
survived him a few years, dwelt and died here. 

*" Provision pay" — a term in common use for a long series of years — wac 
adopted by reason of the scarcity of specie in circulation. Our foreign trade, 
which was confined chiefly to the mother country and subjected to her control, 
was so restricted that the balance of trade was turned against us, and conse- 
quently the importation of specie prevented. From the first settlement of 
the Colony, to the French war of 174-5, when the war expenses were paid by 
England in coin, there was hardly any specie in circulation, and but little in 
the country. 

" Provision pay" was thus from necessity adopted. Until the first issue 
of paper money by the Colony in 1709, nearly all payments were made 
in provisions. All taxes too were paid in produce, at prices for the different 
articles established from time to time by the General Court. And contracts 
between individuals, unless expressly stipulated to be paid in specie, were 
payable in the same manner, and at the same prices. Much of the traffic 
between individuals however, was carried on by barter or exchange of goods. 

In 1709, and at various times subsequently, the Colony issued paper money, 
or " bills of credit," as this species of money was then called, which, being- 
receivable for all Jaxes and public dues, became the general circulating 
medium, though after a few years, it passed at aconsiderable discount below 
the par value of specie. These bills of credit, issued by Connecticut, con- 
tinued in circulation until after the commencement of the war of the Revo- 
lution, when they were supplanted by the " Continental money." 

After the peace in 1783, when trade with foreign countries was, in general, 
unrestricted and in a thriving condition, specie was imported and thrown 
into general circulation. So that, from the first settlement of the Colony, to 
the peace of 1783, a period of one hundred and forty-eight years, with the 
exception of two short terms during the French wars of 1745 and 1756, 
specie was not in circulation to any considerable extent. 



CHAPTER V. 

Location and Erection of the Second Meeting-House. Other Ecclesiastical Affairs. 
1725—1845. 

The old meeting-house being out of repair, and too small 
to accommodate the inhabitants, measures were taken, in 
1725, to erect a new one. And here commenced a contro- 
versy upon this subject, whicli continued for a period of 
over thirteen years, and which, before the question was 
finally settled, had become so acrimonious as to separate 
friends and family connections, and so general, as to per- 
vade all ranks and conditions of the people. And it had 
so extended itself amongst the members of the church, that 
the Ministerial Association was induced to recommend to 
the pastor to discontinue the administration of the sacrament 
of the Lord's supper. 

In order to understand correctly the various influences 
which bore upon this question, a view should be taken of 
the condition of the town at that time. Its geographical 
center was nearly two miles north of the old meeting-house, 
and there were no settlements west of the main road leading 
from Meadow plain to Salmon brook. The principal vil- 
lages were then, as now, at Weatauge, (east and west,) 
Hop meadow, Westover's plain, &c.; — each of which was 
desirous of having the house in its immediate vicinity. And, 
as there were then no bridges across the river, it was of 
some consequence that the building should be placed near 
that stream, that those who had to pass it, might leave 
their horses on its bank, and have but a short distance to 
walk after crossing it. 

After various meetings, held by the town, in 1725, to 
establisli tlie site for the new house, all of which were un- 
successful, the town, on the 7th of October, 1725, made a 
6 



58 HISTORY OP SIMSBURY. 

formal application to the General Assembly, for the appoint- 
ment of a committee, " to come to Simsbury, and take a 
view of the situation of it," and "to give their advice w^here 
the meeting-house should be set, for the greatest conveni- 
ency, of the whole town, and to make report to the General 
Assembly, in May next, in order to a confirmation." 

The application was granted, and a committee appointed, 
consisting of Governor Talcott, Matthew Allyn, an Assistant, 
and Roger Wolcott, also an Assistant, and subsequently 
Governor of the Colony, who reported to tlie May session 
of the Assembly, 1726, that, in their opinion, the meeting- 
house should be placed atBissell's landing, on the west side 
of the river, and advised the inhabitants of the town " to 
proceed and set up their meeting-house, at that place, in a 
christian and peacable manner becoming such a work." 
" Bissell's landing," a name now obsolete, was near the 
present bridge at Westover's plain. This report was ac- 
cepted by both Houses ; thus the question was apparently 
settled. 

But, at the same session, a petition was presented signed 
by all the inhabitants residing in the southerly part of the 
town, including a few persons belonging to the north part 
of Farmington, praying for a distinct society, with liberty 
to place their meeting-house at west Wealauge ; the north 
boundary thereof, to be a line runing easterly and westerly 
from the mouth of Hop brook. The petitioners state, that 
Bissell's landing place " is distant from the nearest of us, 
(excepting about three or four families,) four miles, and 
that we are in number about three hundred persons, and 
the difficulty of transporting ourselves, and families, to the 
worship of God, is a burden almost insupportable," — and 
that " the list of our estate is about three thousand pounds." 
This petition was granted in the lower House, but rejected 
in the Council. 

There was another petition presented, at the same ses- 
sion, signed by seventy-six persons, evincing their concur- 
rence in the report of the committed, establishing the site of 
the meeting-house at Bissell's landing ; and protesting 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 59 

against the formation of a new society, in the south part of 
the town, for " if so," as they say, "it destroys the whole 
community, because the travells of the north society will 
not be eased, and the charge (will be) almost insupport- 
able." 

At a town meeting, held August 7, 1726, the town voted 
that they "will not build a fnecting-house at ye place where 
the Court's committee ordered, viz., at Bissell's landing 
place." 

In September, 1726, the town voted to divide into two 
societies; and appointed Mr, James Ensign, of Hartford, 
Deacon John Hart, of Farmington, and Joseph Barnard, of 
Windsor, a committee to establish the divisional line be- 
tween the two societies. 

At the October session, 1726, a large number of the inhab- 
itants presented to the General Assembly a petition, in 
whicli they state, that " there has been great difficulties in 
our town concerning the building a meeting-house, and our 
dificulties are still remaining; and we are in no way likely 
to suite ourselves; therefore, we humbly pray this Honor- 
able Assembly, that tbey would not 7)iove us from the place 
where the meeling-house now stands, (being near tbe an- 
cient settlements of our town,) at present, or until we are 
in some way (better able) to suite ourselves." 

April 25, 1727, the town adopted a petition to the General 
Assembly, asking for a division of the town irito two socie- 
ties ; and for the appointment of a committee to fix the 
dividing line, and the sites of the two meeting-houses. The 
prayer of the petition was granted, and Capt. William 
Wadsworth, Capt. John Sheldon, and Mr. James Church, 
were appointed, who reported in favor of a division into two 
societies; — the dividing line to run westerly from a point 
commencing some forty rods north of the present school- 
house at Westover's plain, and easterly until it intersects the 
river, which it follows to Windsor bounds ; — that the site 
of the meeting-house, for the south society, should be on 
the east side of the river, a little south of the bend of the 
river, (this place is perhaps eighty rods north of the present 



60 HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 

dwelling house of Mr. Oliver Bradley ;) — and that the 
raeeting-house, for the north society, should be erected 
about sixty rods west of Higley's marsh, on the road leading 
from the Falls to Turkey hills. This report was accepted 
at the May session, 1727, and a resolution passed in accord- 
ance therewith. 

But, this division, and especially the location of the two 
meeting-houses, were unsatisfactory to a large portion of the 
inhabitants. 

The first, or south society, held a meeting on the 27th of 
December 1727, and resolved that they would not build a 
meeting-house at the place designated by the committee. 
And, at a subsequent meeting, held March 26, 1728, they 
voted to meet for public worship at the old meeting-house ; 
also, to build a new one at the same place ; and appointed 
Joseph Case senior, and Jonathan Westover, a committee 
to petition the legislature for permission to do so. The 
Assembly, however, refused to grant the prayer of the 
petition. 

At the same session, a petition, signed by fifty-six per- 
sons, was preferred, complaining that the south society had, 
by a vote, refused to build a house for public worship at the 
place approved of by the legislature, and asking for a special 
act to enable them to raise money, by assessments, to build 
the house as ordered by the Assembly. It does not appear 
that any action was had upon this petition. 

Another town meeting was held, October 10, 1728, when 
agents were appointed to present a petition, then adopted by 
the town, to the General Assembly, asking, "as a last 
remedy," for the appointment of " one more committee," 
clothed with full authority to decide whether one, or more, 
meeting-houses shouldbe built, and to fix the location of such 
as they should order to be erected. The petition was granted, 
and a committee appointed, consisting of Messrs. Matthew 
Allyn, John Hooker, James Ensign and Joseph Barnard, 
with full authority to decide the controversy. Instead of 
reporting their decision to the Assembly, as was usual in 
such cases, they were directed to return it to the Secretary 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 61 

for record, and, when so recorded, the proceedings were to 
be decisive and conclusive upon the town, and, in the lan- 
guage of the resolution, " an utter end of the controversy." 
The committee decided, that the town should continue undi- 
vided, and united in one ministerial society, as heretofore ; 
and '' fuither, that ye place, wheir they shall erect theyer 
meeting house, shall be on ye west side of ye river, on ye 
south side of ye way or road leading up from ye river, where 
they ordinarily pass with ye boat, and so up ye hill, com- 
monly called Drake's hill." This place is about forty rods 
east of the present n)eeting-house in Simsbury. The com- 
mittee directed that the house should be forty-five feet 
square. They also made out a rate bill, and appointed col- 
lectors, to collect the taxes to meet the expenses of the 
building, and a committee to superintend its construction. 
At the same time, to wit, November 21, 1728, the town voted 
" to unite into one society as formerly." 

It would seem that, after these proceedings, the question 
would be considered as settled, and the controversy at an 
end. The building committee had provided timber for the 
house, and carried it to the place. But the end of the con- 
troversy was not yet. A large number, though probably not 
a majority, of the inhabitants, were strongly opposed to this 
decision. The two persons, appointed collectors, refused to 
act ; and the town not only refused to take any efficient 
measure in aid of the project, but, at a meeting held April 
29, 1729, it voted " to set off a society, from ye dug way to 
ye north, and to run a west north west point from ye river, 
westward, and ye river to be ye dividing line, northwrrd." 

In consequence of these proceedings, numerous petitions 
were presented to the next session of the General Assembly, 
held in May, 1729, complaining that the place designated by 
the last committee, for the site of the meeting-house, "is 
miry," and subject to be overflown by the floods ; " that it is 
not convenient for the whole town, nor for one society, when 
the town is divided into two societies ;" — and asking that 
the committee may be again sent to the town, and another 
6* 



62 HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 

hearing be had. The request was granted, and the commit- 
tee directed to review their proceedings. 

The committee met on the 25th of Jime, 1729, and, on 
reconsideration, reversed and set aside their former proceed- 
ings ; and decided that the town should be divided into two 
distinct societies,' — the dividing line being the one crossing 
at the " dug way," before mentioned, — that the site for the 
meeting-house in the first, or south, society, should be 
on the east side of the river, opposite Deac. James Cornish's 
dwelling-house, (then standing where Mr, John Tuller's 
house now stands,) — that the timber provided for the build- 
ing at Drake's hill, should belong to this society, and be 
used for this house ; and that the meeting-house of the north 
society should be erected at Bridge hill,* on the north side 
of the river, at the " falls." They also appointed a build- 
ing committee for each society. 

The building committee of the south society, in pursu- 
ance of this authority, removed the timber (and, as tradition 
says, in the night season,) from Drake's hill across the river 
to the new site for their house, and proceeded to frame and 
raise the building. But, as there was no collector "to 
gather the rates" which had been laid by the committee 
appointed by the Assembly, they applied to the legislature, 
to appoint a collector for this purpose, for the reason, as 
they state, that they " judge it impossible for said society, 
under their present circumstances, to chuse a collector." 
This timber was afterwards attached by William Bnel, 
which occasioned a cessation in the further construction of 
the building at that place. 

The second society, July 22d, 1729, voted to raise a rate 
or tax of four pence on the pound, "to arect and build a 
mealing hous at the bridge hill, as the commity ordered ; 
and that with the advise with some wise men, we will hire 
a minster to preach the gospel to the second sosiaty, at Dan- 
iel Holcomb's hous." The list of this society then amount- 
ed to ^£3636 12s. Od. At another meeting, held in August of 

* Bridge hill, it is supposed, was near the residence of David Latham Esq. 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 63 

the same year, the society voted that the dimensions of their 
meeting-house should be forty-two by thirty-two feet. 

Sixty-one persons, some of them belonging to the north 
society, addressed a letter, dated July 16, 1729, to the Rev. 
Mr. Woodbridge, in which they state, that " having met 
together to consider our difficulties, relating to the settle- 
ment of our meeting-house affairs, and things seemingly 
looking worse than ever, as if love and peace were likely to 
depart from us, in the way that we are in;" they conclude 
by offering to pay him his salary, amounting to one hundred 
pounds yearly, " so long as he shall continue with them as 
their pastor," in case the General Court would sanction the 
measure. Jonathan Westover signs the letter, with this 
proviso, that he will pay his " equal part in a gospel way, 
but not in a forcible way." 

At the October session, 1729, a number of petitions were 
presented to the Assembly, some in favor of, and the others 
against a confirmation of the doings of the last committee. 
But it does not appear that any notice was taken of these 
memorials. 

Another town meeting was held in March, 1730, when it 
was voted to continue to maintain public worship, at the 
old meeting-house, and to request Mr. Woodbridge to con- 
tinue with them and officiate as formerly. It was also 
resolved to take the advice of the Association of Ministers, 
in relation to their difficulties, and in view of them, wheth- 
er or not, Mr. Woodbridge ought to continue in the work 
of the ministry. 

The Association met at Simsbury on the 31st of March, 
and having heard the contending parties, and used their 
iufluence to bring about a reconciliation, but finding, as 
they say, " that nothing could be gained," they came to the 
conclusion that " under the present divided circumstances" 
of the town, the Rev. Mr. Woodbridge was " under no obli- 
gation to continue his ministry, either at the old meeting- 
house, or in any other separate part of the tow^n." 

The controversy, at no time distinguished for its mild- 
ness, assumed now an asj)ect dangerous to the welfare of 



64 HISTORY OP SIMSBURY. 

the community. It was deep rooted and wide spread. 
Even the church became infected. So warmly and gener- 
ally had its members entered into the quarrel, that the Asso- 
ciation felt compelled to decide, that the members of this 
church were so destitute "of a good and christian frame 
of spirit, as to be unfit for communion at the Lord's 
table."* 

The north society, also, procured timber to build their 
meeting-house at Bridge hill, and laid a tax, as before sta- 
ted, to defray the expense of erecting the building. But, as 
the collector had received his appointment from the com- 
mittee appointed by the General Assembly, his authority 
was questioned, and the people refused to pay their taxes. 

At the next session of the Assembly, May 1730, a large 
number of petitions were presented, in reference to this 
contested subject. Among them, was one signed by the 
Rev. Timothy Edwards, and five other distinguished cler- 
gymen, in which they state, that " the sorrowful state of 
the town of Simsbury" is such, that " the strictest bonds of 
charity oblige us, and all christians that come to the 
knowledge of it, to compassionate them." The legisla- 
ture did not directly grant the prayer of any of these peti- 
tions ; — but it appointed another committee, consisting of 
Gov. Talcott, and Nathaniel Stanley and Ozias Pitkin 
Esqrs. "to meet the inhabitants of Simsbury, in a legally 
warned town meeting, in order that the said meeting might 
consider, and agree amongst themselves, at what place, or 
places, and in what manner, to build for themselves a 
meeting-house, or meeting-houses, for the worship of God 
as they, or the greater part of them, by their votes shall, in 
such meeting, agree, conclude, and determine ;" at which 

North Association of the County of Hartford, March 31, 1730 : — 

" Upon viewing the state of the brethren in Simsbury in respect to their 
present contention : — Question, whether they ought, without some antece- 
dent reconciliation, to join in the communion of the Lord's supper : — Voted 
by the Association, that they ought not. Teste, 

Benjamin Coltox, Scribe." 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 65 

meeting, the committee were " desired to be present and 
endeavor to persuade the people of said town to surcease 
their contentions, and join, as brethren, lovingly to go on 
with this good work. And his Honor is desired to report to 
this Assembly, in October next, in what manner they have 
succeeded in this affair ; and if the inhabitants of said town 
shall not agree, by their greater vote, to the building one or 
more meeting-houses, then to report to the Assembly, if it 
be best, in their opinion, whether there should be one, or 
moie societies; and if two, whether the places, where the 
committee have last ordered their meeting-houses to be, are 
not most commodious for them." 

The town meeting was held on the 28th day of July, at 
which Gov. Talcott was present, and used his great influ- 
ence to effect a reconciliation between the contending par- 
ties, and apparently with success, for the town voted to 
remain one society^ and to build the meeting-house at Bis- 
sell's landing place. Upon the report of the committee, 
embracing this result, the Assembly, Oct. 1730, approved 
thereof, and ordered the town " to proceed to build accord- 
ingly." 

But, at a succeeding town meeting, held but a few months 
afterwards, to wit, January 1, 1731, it was voted, by a great 
majority, that the town would not " do any thing about 
building a meeting-house at Bissell's landing place." And, 
at the same meeting, a large committee was appointed, from 
the different sections of the town, to enquire and report at a 
future meeting, what measures could be adopted to bring 
the controversy "to a general and peacible accommodation." 
The committee, by a large majority, reported, among other 
things, that the w^st side of the river from Farmington 
bounds, to extend north so as to include the Higley settle- 
ment, should be the first society, and the portion of the town 
easterly of the river, should be the second society. This 
report was accepted " by a very full vote ;" — and the new 
designated first society attempted an organization, by elect- 
ing its committee, and voting to raise the annual salary of 



66 HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 

the clergyman. But their application to the legislature, for 
a confirmation of these proceedings, was rejected. 

At this period, there had been so many contradictory 
decisions relating to this subject, that great uncertainty pre- 
vailed in respect to the rights and duties of the parish. It 
is doubtful whether any legal society existed at this time. 
The Rev. Mi. Woodbridge continued to officiate in the 
ministry, to such as chose to hear him, but no taxes were 
imposed to pay his salary ; and it was strongly doubted, by 
many persons, whether he was the legally settled pastor. 
Notwithstanding all these contentions, into some of which 
he was reluctantly drawn, — for it was well known that he 
was in favor of the location of the meeting-house, at Hop 
meadow, where he dwelt, — yet he was very generally 
esteemed, and possessed, to a large extent, the confidence 
and affection of his people. 

The Assembly, at the two next sessions, in May, and 
October 1731, Avas again importuned, by sundry memorials 
from the people of Simsbury, to do something to relieve the 
" distracted condition, both of the church and town." 
Among these, was one from Mr. Woodbridge, complaining 
that his salary had remained unpaid, for a period of one 
year and seven months, and asking for some process to 
enforce its collection.* None of these petitions were granted. 

* " At a meeting of the inhabitants of Simsbury town, regularly convened 
in said town on thursday the 16th of Dec. 1731, and continued by adjourn- 
ment to ye 17th of said month ; it being proposed to this meeting whether they 
would vote and order a rate, and thereby raise a salary for Mr. Timothy 
Woodbridge for ye year last past. This meeting doth resolve in ye negative, 
that we will not raise any such a rate to pay him for ye year past, for sundry 
reasons which to us seem sufficient. 

" And more especially, for that ye Association have given it as their opin- 
ion, on March 31, 1730, that Mr. Woodbridge was not obliged to continue his 
ministry in ye former place of publique meeting, or in any other separate part 
of ye town ; — therefore, he not being obli2;ed to us, we cannot be obliged to 
him. — And ye abovesaid Association did at their meeting on Feb. 4, 1730 
advise, that if Mr. Woodbridge see sufficient encouragment from a number 
that seems to be agreed in ye west society, that he would continue with 
them ; but the inhabitants of our town have maintained ye publique worship 



HISTORY OP SIMSBURY. 67 

But at the May session, 1732, the Assembly appointed an- 
other committee to visit Simsbury, and see what could be 
done to " promote the peace and reconciliation of the peo- 
ple ;" — and upon their report, which was made during the 
same session, a resolution was passed, directing- that public 
worship should be held in the old meeting-house Jor the 
term of three years thereafter; — that the inhabitants of 
Turkey hills be allowed the privilege of maintaining public 
worship, in their village, during six months in each year; — 
that the inhabitants living on the east side of the river, have 
the same privilege, during four months ; — that the old meet- 
ing-house might be repaired by voluntary subscriptions, and 
contributions ;— and that, if the town should not, within 
twenty days after the rising of the Assembly, lay a tax, 
sufficient to pay the salary due to Mr. Woodbridge, or should 
neglect to collect and pay it in full by the first day of ihe 
ensuing October, the Secretary of the colony was directed 
to issue an execution therefor, to be levied upon the estates 
of any of the inhabitants of the town, and collected, " by 
distress and sale of their goods." 

The town having voted, March 29, 1733, that Turkey 
hills, and Salmon brook, might each be set off into a sep- 
arate society, the inhabitants of those places, respectively, 
memorialized the General Assembly, held in May 1733, for 
parish privileges ; but their applications were both rejected. 
This town meeting was convened expressly for the purpose 
of deciding the question, whether the inhabitants would 
agree to form themselves into one, two, or more, ministerial 
societies. The result was, the formation of three societies, 
and the line which was agreed upon, running between the 
south and Salmon brook societies, was the same, or nearly 
the same, as that which at the present time divides Sims- 
bury and Granby. At this time, there were in Turkey 
hills, forty-six families, including five who lived a few rods 

in separate parts of ye town according to ye town act, and advice of ye Asso- 
ciation thereon. Therefore, not reasonable that a rate should be made on ye 
whole town to pay Mr. Woodbridge. The above written was voted in ye 
affirmative, and voted to be entered on record." 



68 HISTORY OP SIMSBURY. 

easterly of the town line, within the bounds of Windsor ; 
and in Salmon brook, including the Falls and Higley's set- 
tlement, forty-eight families.* 

At the May Session 1734, the inhabitants of Salmon brook 
again petitioned for parish powers and privileges ; the soci- 
ety to embrace the same territorial limits, as was expressed 
in their former petition. Among the reasons stated for this 
request, is the following: — "Seventhly — the great hopes 
we have of obtaining a young candidate for the ministry to 
be our minister, whom we have hired for near fifteen months 
past upon our own charge, being obliged, all the while, to 
pay our proportionable part to our minister at town." This 
petition was also negatived, probably for the reason that the 
three years, before spoken of, had not yet expired. 

In May 1735, upon several memorials from different parts 
of the town, praying that it might be divided into several 
Ecclesiastical societies, the General Assembly passed a reso- 
lution, in which, it is stated, that " considering the divided 
state of Simsbury, and how often the inhabitants of that 
place have, in their town meetings, altered and changed 
their votes," the Assembly "do not think it proper to con- 
firm the lines, prayed for, in order to divide the town into 

* It would seem, from the following proceedings, that at this time Mr. 
Woodbridge had removed his family from the town. 

" At a town meeting held in June 1733, a committee was appointed to 
enquire of Mr. Woodbridge whether he intended to continue with the people 
in the work of the ministry as formerly, and whether he would return with 
his family into the town again. The committee reported as follows : — 

1st. " Wliether he intends to continue with us in the work of the ministry. 
Answer : — in that matter I intend to follow my duty as I shall learn it from 
the word of God, with the best help I can obtain from the wisest and best of 
men I can. 

2d. Whether I shall return with my family. — I have not determined that I 
will not, but if the difficulties of the tow"n, in what they can remove, be not 
removed, it looks as if I should not, but am willing to refer myself to proper 
judges for advice. Timothy Woodbridge." 

The next year, 1734, the town voted to pay Mr. Woodbridge's salary for 
the preceding year. In 17.).5, an action was commenced by Mr. Woodbridge 
against the town for arrears of his salary unpaid. 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 69 

separate societies, without further enquiry ;" and therefore 
they appointed another committee "to repair to the town, 
at the chaig-c thereof, and to hear the parties in reference to 
the question of forming separate societies." The committee 
were directed to " order the inhabitants, in reference to the 
place, or places, where they shall attend public worship, 
until the rising of this Assembly in October next, to which 
order the said inhabitants shall conform, during said time ;" 
and, if deemed needful to divide the town into distinct soci- 
eties, tlie committee were directed to describe and set forth 
the bounds of such societies, and to make their report to the 
next session. 

In May, 1735, another town meeting was held, when a 
vote was passed, by a majority exceeding two-thirds of the 
voters present, requesting that the town might be divided 
into two societies', the division line to be at Hoskins' hill, 
the " dug way" oefore described, and appointing James Case, 
and John Humphrey, a committee to apply, in behalf of 
the town, to the legislature, for tlie incorporation of two 
societies, in conformity with the vote of the town. 

A committee was appointed on this application, and upon 
their report, the General Assembly, at the next session, 
October, 1735, ordered that the town " be divided into two 
distinct ecclesiastical societies, with powers and privileges 
of societies," and that the division line between them be 
established at the '"dug way." 

But this decision, like all former ones, gave great dissat- 
isfaction to a large portion of the inhabitants. Instead of 
allaying the spirit of discord, it served only to increase it 
still higher. The people of the north society, being sepa- 
rated into distinct and remote settlements, and having no 
common center, desired to be incorporated into /u-o societies; 
and the south society were strongly opposed to the divis- 
ional line being established at the dug way, — contending, 
that it ought to be fixed at Saxton's brook. 

A meeting of the south society was held, which was very 
fully attended, — eighty-two voters being present. On the 
question " whether they tvanied a meeting-house, or not," the 
7 



70 ■ HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 

vote Stood, forty-one in the affirmative, and the same num- 
ber in the negative. The society also refused to make any 
provision for the support of the ministry. The north society 
voted, by a large majority, that they too did not xoant a meet- 
ing-house. 

The next session of the General Assembly, held in May, 
1736, was troubled more than usual with petitions, from 
every section of the town, all complaining of injustice, of 
some kind or other, and asking for relief. Mr. Woodbridge, 
too, found it necessary to make another application for the 
interposition of the Assembly, to enable him to obtain his 
salary ; in which petition, alluding to their difficulties gen- 
erally, he speaks of a class as entertaining " a secret design 
of injustice, or hope of holding themselves up, as the head 
of a party, to perpetuate our present miseries." 

By reason of these petitions, the Assembly appointed 
another committee, consisting of Roger Wolcott, James 
Wadsworth, and Thomas Wells, Esqrs., who, after hearing 
the parties, and consideHng the various subjects in contro- 
versy, were directed " to make their report how they find 
the true state of the matters, laid in said memorials, with 
their opinion thereupon, to this Assembly, in Octobernext." 

Upon report of this committee, made at the next session, 
October, 1736, Wintonbury society was formed, to which 
was annexed the inhabitants residing in the south-east sec- 
tion of the town, and three other societies, the South, Sal- 
mon brook, and Turkey hills, by boundaries as they at 
present exist, excepting the last named society, to which at 
a subsequent period, was annexed a small part of Windsor 
and Suffield, 

The question, so far as it regarded the formation of sepa- 
rate societies, was thus settled, but the one not less impor- 
tant, to wit, the location of the respective meeting-houses 
was left undecided. Nor does it appear that any movement 
was made, for some considerable lime, in either of the socie- 
ties, in reference to a settlement of this matter. Probably, 
all parties felt disposed to drop the contest for a while. 
But, in none of them, was the question settled in society 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 71 

meetings. In May, 1738, the Assembly, on report of a 
committee previously appointed, fixed the site of the meet- 
ing-house in Turkey hills society; — and, in October, 1739, 
they did the same in respect to the other two societies. The 
site of the house for Salmon brook society, (then called the 
north-west society,) was established at the north end of 
Sahnon brook street, on the hill near the burying ground. 
The place where the first society were ordered to build theii 
meeting-house, was on Drake's hill on the west side of the 
road, being near the location of the present meeting-house. 

Thus was terminated a controversy which, for the bitter 
feelings it engendered, and the length of time it continued, 
has no parallel, in this State, upon any similar subject. The 
quarrel was general, if not universal ; few, if any, being 
able to avoid its influence. It destroyed social intercourse, 
broke up the church, and in a great measure prevented 
public worship. During three years, from 1731 to 1733 
inclusive, owing to this excited state of feeling, the legisla- 
ture deemed it inexpedient to appoint any Justices of the 
Peace in the town. 

The excitement did not immediately subside. But, in 
process of time, when bridges were built across the river — 
roads improved — and settlements had extended westerly in 
the town, all parties, if not exactly suited, cheerfully acqui- 
esced in the final decision of the controversy. 

Each society took measures to erect its house for public 
worship. The first society, in December, 1739, voted to 
build their house of the dimensions of fifty by forty feet, and 
to place it on Drake's hill. The building w^as not so far 
completed as to be fit for occupation until 1743, and was not 
plastered until 1752. It was repaired and materially im- 
proved in 1777, and painted, it is believed for the first time, 
in 1786. 

The construction of the meeting-houses, belonging to the 
other two societies, will be mentioned in the Chapter relating 
to the history of Granby. 

After the division of the town into three societies, in 1737, 
all ecclesiastical affairs^ instead of being managed as up to 



72 HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 

that time they had been by the town, were conducted by 
the several societies. The old society was thereafter known 
by the name of the south societ}^. 

Soon after the death of Mr. Woodbridge, the society voted 
to apply to Mr. Samuel Hopkins to supply the pulpit. 
This was the disting-uished divine who subsequently became 
the celebrated founder of the Hopkinsonian system of Divin- 
ity. He preached in Simsbury about six months. At this 
time, he was quite young, and had bat recently been licens- 
ed to preach. 

At the close of the year 1743, the Rev. Gideon Mills was 
employed as preacher. He was invited to settle, and 
accepted the invitation, April, 1744. He was ordained in 
the following- September, and dismissed in September, 1754 ; 
but continued to supply the pulpit until March, 1755. 

The next minister was Mr. John Searl, who remained 
here but a few months. He afterwards removed to Sharon, 
where he was settled. 

In the fall of 1756, the Rev. Benajah Roots was employ- 
ed on probation. He was ordained August 10, 1757, and, 
dismissed in the summer of 1772. During the last three or 
four years of his ministry, he had much difficulty with the 
church and congregation. He removed to Vermont, where 
after preaching some years, he died. 

After Mr. Roots, Mr. Jonathan Murdock, Mr. Patten, of 
Hartford, and Mr. David Parsons, Jr., of Amherst, were 
severally employed, the two first named for short terms only. 
In 1775, the society gave Mr. Parsons a call to settle, but 
the invitation was declined. 

In 1776, the Rev. Samuel Stebbins commenced his min- 
isterial labors in this society. He was ordained December 
10, 1777, and continued in the pastoral office twenty-nine 
years. He was dismissed at liis own request, Nov. 17, 1806. 

The pulpit was supplied for about two years thereafter, 
by several clergymen, among whom was the Rev. Thomas 
Robbins, D. D., the present Librarian of the Connecticut 
Historical Society, who ofiiciated about seven months. 

The present pastor, Rev. Allen McLean, was ordained 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 



73 



in August, 1809. During- his long ministry, his faithful 
and efficient services have given great satisfaction, and the 
church and congregation, under his watchful care, have 
enjoyed a large share of prosperity and harmony. 

In 1830, the old meeting house, which had stood nearly 
ninety years, was taken down, and a new one erected in its 
place. The new edifice is a spacious, handsome and well- 
constructed building, having a tower and bell. It is beau- 
tifully situated on ground slightly elevated, and commands 
a fine view of the Massacoe metidows. When this house 
was built, several stately oaks, bearing the marks of great 
age, and adding beauty and comfort to the place, were cut 
down. It is a pity that the progress of modern improvements 
has advanced so far as to require the destruction of such 
useful and ornamental appendages to public as well as pri- 
vate buildings. The new house was dedicated Dec. 1S30. 

St. Andrew's parish of Episcopalians is one of the oldest 
in the State. It owes its establishment to the unhappy 
controversy before mentioned, relating to ecclesiastical 
affairs in the town. In 1740, six persons, and in 1743, 
twenty-seven others, nearly all of whom resided at the 
settlement called Scotland, separated from the old society, 
and connected themselves with the Episcopal church, then 
called the " Church of England." Timber for a church 
edifice was procured in 1740, and the building was erected 
soon afterwards. It stood at the northerly side of the bury- 
ing ground in Scotland — was a small, plain structure, never 
painted, and never wholly finished inside. The Rev. Will- 
iam Gibbs was the first preacher to this congregation. He 
was a missionary, sent out by a society instituted in England 
for the "Propagation of the Gospel," and officiated as Rec- 
tor of the parish many years. Towaids the close of his life^ 
ill health prevented his preaching, but it did not in the least 
diminish his ardor in the cause of Episcopacy, or his aflfec- 
tion for his parishioners. Few clergymen have lived more 
beloved, or died more lamented. His good name yet sur- 
vives, though nearly seventy years have passed since his 
decease. He died a bachelor. 
7* 



74 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY 



The Rev. Roger Viets was his successor. He was a 
native of the town, and officiated as Rector but a few years. 
His residence was in a secluded spot, near the top of the 
mountain, on the old road leading from Scotland to Tarifl- 
ville. He was uncle of the late Bishop Griswold. Mr. 
Viets removed to Nova Scotia during the war, where he 
died. 

The next Rector was the Rev. Ambrose Todd. After 
preaching a number of years in the parish, he removed into 
Fairfield County, where he died. The Rev. Mr. Cornwall 
officiated also a number of years, dividing his services 
between this parish and another one at Salmon brook. The 
present incumbent is the Rev. Mr. Warner. Besides these, 
a number of other gentlemen have been employed, each 
for a short time. 

A new church was erected in 1806. It was placed nearly 
two miles in a southerly direction from the old one. This 
location, however, operating against the interests of the 
parish, as it was supposed, was afterwards changed, and 
the building was taken down, and removed back to the old 
site, where the present church was rebuilt in 1830. The 
church now stands within the limits of Bloomfield, the east- 
ern part of Simsbury, within which the church was situated, 
having been annexed to that town in 1843. 

The Methodists commenced holding religious meetings 
in the town, more than forty years ago. Until within a 
few years, these meetings were held in school houses and 
private dwellings. In 1840, they erected a neat church 
which stands on Hop meadow street, about one third of a 
mile north of the Congregational church. The building 
has a portico, tower and bell, and was dedicated in Sep- 
tember of that year, on which occasion, the Rev. Professor 
Holdich, of the Wesleyan University, preached the sermon. 
The present ofliciating minister is the Rev. Mr. Scofield. 

The Baptists have a small congregation at Tariffville, 
which meets at present for divine service in the second story 
of a large building, erected in part for this purpose. The 
Congregationalists hold meetings also in the same village, 
where they are taking measures to erect a meeting-house. 



CHAPTER VI. 

General History continued from Chapter II. BHIls. Common Fields. Distribution of 
unlocated Lands. Fisliery. Miscellaneous. 1679—1725. 

It has already been stated in Chapter II, that the inhab- 
itants returned to Simsbnry in the spring of 1677, and com- 
menced rebuilding the town which had been destroyed by 
the Indians in the preceding year. 

The process, however, of repairing the injury sustained, 
and of restoring the condition of the settlement to its former 
prosperity, was slow, and, at times, extremely discouragmg. 
Some of the former inhabitants did not return, and but few 
new ones were found to take their places. The perils of 
the times, with the danger to which the town from its posi- 
tion was exposed, offered but few inducements to any but 
the most daring, or the most destitute in circumstances, to 
exchange places of security for one encompassed with so 
many dangers, and containing, withall, so few comforts. 

Owing to these adverse circumstances, with others which 
will be hereafter mentioned, the town remained in a de- 
pressed -condition, increasing, it is supposed, but little in 
wealth or population, for a period of about ten years after 
the war in 1676. The inhabitants, if not poor, w^ere gen- 
erally in moderate circumstances. They could make but 
few public improvements. And although several attempts 
were made to advance the growth of the settlement, it was 
not until about 1689 that its prospects assumed a more 
cheering aspect. 

The dwellings of the first settlers consisted of log huts, 
covered with thatch or bark, without windows, and often 
without floorings. Subsequently, when saw mills had been 
erected, and better building materials could be obtained, 
some improvement in these edifices took place, though the 
best of them would, at tlie present day, be deemed almost 



76 HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 

untenantable. The inventories of estates administered 
upon at this period, show that but a few plain and cheap 
articles of furniture were then in use. Stools and forms 
were substituted for chairs, of which latter article but few 
families could afford the expense of procuring. The appa- 
rel of both sexes was generally of domestic manufacture, 
and for the most part such as each family made for its own 
use — the winter garments of tlie men being made chiefly of 
undressed home-made cloth. For lights, candlewood was 
used very generally.* The inhabitants were a plain, indus- 
trious and economical people, increasing in wealth only in 
proportion as their respective farms were cleared for culti- 
vation, and stocked with cattle ; — for tliey derived but little 
if any benefit from any market for their surplus produce. 
But a few sheep were kept in town at this period, for the 
reason that they could not be protected from the ravages of 
wolves and other beasts of prey with which the forests then 
abounded.! 

* In an Inventory of the estate of Joseph Parsons, who died in 16S7, the 
candlewood belonging to the estate was appraised at £1 10 0. This article 
was almost universally used for lights at this time. It consisted of dry pine 
knots, and other portions of pine trees strongly saturated with pitch, and split 
into sizes convenient for use. But a few articles of household furniture 
belonged to this estate, all of which (exclusive of one bed, set in the Inven- 
tory at £2 15 0,) would not be appraised, at the present time, over six dol- 
lars; — although the deceased was comparatively a person of wealth for those 
times. 

t During many years after the commencement of the settlement, the inhab- 
itants were much annoyed by wild beasts. Bears and wolves were so plenty, 
as to be particularly troublesome as neighbors. So disastrous were the ravages 
of the latter, that the town, for many years, allowed a large bounty for their 
destruction, payable from the treasury. Wolf pits were frequent, some of 
which are still to be found in the forests. On Drake's hill, north of the meet- 
ing-house, is an excavation which is supposed to have been made for this pur- 
pose. About 1700, Joseph Phelps was attacked by a wounded bear which, 
in the encounter, so lacerated his right hand as to deprive him of its use 
thereafter. But the bear was conquered and killed. 

Deer were so numerous as to supply, in a great measure, meats for the 
inhabitants many years. This food was sold at a cheaper price than beef, 
pork, or mutton. Great care was taken to preserve these animals by con- 
structing parks for their confinement. One of these parks, according to 



HISTORY OP SIMSBURY. •« 

The boundary line between Simsbury and Windsor, after 
a long controversy, was surveyed and designated in 1679, 
by acommittee appointed by the General Court. This hne, 
it is supposed, remained as then run, until a portion of Suns- 
bury was annexed to Bloomfield in 1843. 

The first mills erected in town were situated on Hop 
brook, near the present site of TuUer's mills, and were built 
in 1679. These consisted of a grist and saw mill, and were 
put up by Thomas Barber, John Moses, John Terry and 
Ephraim Howard, who contracted with the town to keep the 
mills in good repair,— to grind grain for the tolls allowed by 
law,— to sell to the inhabitants boards at four and sixpence 
per hundred,— and not to transport oak to any other town. 
In consideration of which, the town allowed them the mill 
privileges,— the right to take timber on the common lands, — 
a lot of good timber land,— and twenty pounds payable in 
town rates. The place has been occupied as a mill seat up 
to the present time, a period of one hundred and sixty-six 
years. About the same time, a saw-mill was erected below 
the falls, in Scotland, by Ephraim Howard. 

The first records of the town, as before stated, were burnt, 
and probably before 1680. Many of the acts of the town 
however, passed before this time, appear on the subsequent 
records. The date of the first entry, in the present first 
Book of Records, is January 19, 1670-1, and relates to the 
allowance of a bounty for killing a wolf. The first record 
of the election of selectmen, then called townsmen, is in 
1677, when sergeant John Griffin, Joshua Holcomb, and 
Samuel Wilcoxson were chosen. John Terry was elected 
register, or clerk, at the organization of the town in 1670;— 
a few years afterwards, and before 1680, John Slater was 
appointed. 

In 1683, the town " voted to give Thomas Barber ten 
shillings yearly for the beating of the drume on the sabboth 

tradition, was on the hill between the houses of Elisha Phelps Esq. and the 
Rev. Mr. M'Lean. As late as 176S, Mr Thomas Case had a park at Wea- 
tauo-e. It is believed few if any deer were found in the town after 1775. 



78 HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 

dayes." This practice of using a drum to call together the 
people on days of public worship, was continued about 
seventy years after this time. Andrew Robe was the last 
person employed in this service.* The same practice, it is 
believed, extended very generally throughout the Colony. 

The following copy from the records of the town, shows, 
better than can be otherwise expressed, the sentiments of 
our forefathers concerning matters of a controveisial nature. 
It would have^been well had the principle, then adopted, 
been adhered to in subsequent times, when the inhabitants 
of the town obtained some notoriety for their proneness to 
settle all disputes by the adjudication of courts and juries. 

"December 1, 1681. We the inhabitants of Simsbury, being 
met together the first of ye 10th moneth 1681, being desireous 
hence forward to live in love and peace, mutually to the glory of 
God, and our own peace and comfort, — to prevent after animosi- 
ties and uncomfortable variences, do make this act, — that when- 
soever any difference may arisse in any of our civill Transactions, 
yt after vv^e have given our reasons mutually one to another, and 
cannot by the meanes be brought together, that to a finall issue of 
our difference, we will committ the matter, with our reasons j9ro. 
and con, to the worshipefuU Major Talcott, and captain Allyn, to 

heare as presented in writing ; and that we will sit downe to 

their award or determination ; — this voted and concluded, for a 
standing record for hence forward." 

But a small portion of the inhabitants had the means of 
enclosing their improved lands by fences. And as their 
horses, cattle and swine were, from necessity, suffered to 
roam at large in the forests for subsistence, the crops, being 
left unprotected, were consequently often destroyed. This 
perhaps, more than any other cause, increased the embar- 
rassments of the people, by subjecting them to an additional 
weight of poverty, or, as the case might be, by depriving 
them of food for sustenance. 

To remedy this evil, resort was had to the formation of 
common fields by town enactments, or voluntary associa- 
tions. But, as these orders or agreements were not complied 

* 1746, December. In society meeting; — " Voted, that the standing com- 
mittee cause the drum to be beat on sabboth days, to notify ye parish when to 
beerin meetina;." 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 



79 



with by all the proprietors, and, in the then state of society, 
could not be enforced, the scheme proved ineffectual, and, 
after a few years was abandoned. 

In this condition of affairs a town meeting was convened 
to consider the subject, and adopt measures for redress. The 
meeting resolved to lay the whole subject matter before the 
General Court by a petition for relief, and appointed the 
selectmen to manage the affair. The following is a copy 
of the petition presented. It is a document no less mter- 
esting than strange if, as it undoubtedly does, it correctly 
delineates the condition of the town at that time. 

" From Simsbury, this 14tb October 1687. 

To this Honored General Court — The petittion of the under 
written is as followeth ; — 

That whereas, we the Inhabitants of Simsbury, and planters m 
this place, by the blessing of god upon our labours, have been from 
year to year in Good hopes and expectation of a comfortable and 
considerabl harvist, as may be made apparant by the fair and 
promising show upon our lands ; — yet are we yearly so Destroyed 
and devoured one of another — VVhen we have bestowed our 
labours and Charges, and se apparently good hops of a comfortabl 
harvist, then is our labours devouored and destroyed one by his 
Neighbour, and every man of and by one an other without reiiefe, 
that it is a most grevious and perplexing consideration : and have 
tryed many wayes to prevent such Intolerable losses by layeing 
out fences to such lands here in Simsbury and enclosurs as has 
ben for use both for corn and grasse : yet our orders and labours 
has not ben attended, so that to this day our Cornfields lye exceed- 
ingly hazerdous and our labours to be destroyed, which if there 
be'not som speedy care taken of us that our meadows and corn 
fields be secured, and our crops preserved, we shall be very uiuch 
empoverished : neither shall we be able to carry on any publique 
deuties, either in ecclessiastical matters or civill affayres : and see- 
ing that it is wondered at why Simsbury men are so poor, the judi- 
cious may easily discerne the reason of the same : so that in sense 
thereof we do most earnestly begg, pray and Implore this honnered 
Court to take vs and our most sad estate, into your serious Con- 
siderason and find out some way for our reiiefe and welfare, or else 
we may labour yearly, and the earth by the blessing of god bring 
forth much, and yet it will be as it hath been frequently destroyed : 
so that we pray entreat your worships to afford us some reiiefe. 
And in hopes shall crave leave to subscribe our selves your hum- 
ble petitioners. Joshua Holcombe, 

Samuel Wilcockson, 
John Higley, 

Selek men of Simsbury." 



80 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 



By means of this and similar applications, a committee, 
consisting- of Samuel Talcotf, Nathaniel Stanley and Cyp- 
rian Nichols, all belonging- to Hartford, was appointed, who, 
after hearing the parties and viewing the ground, decided 
and ordered, December, 1689, that " the meadows and 
other improvable lands," lying upon the river from Farm- 
ington bounds to John Higlcy's farm, be fenced on each 
side of the river — thus making- two larg-e common fields, 
divided by the river, extending about seven miles in length. 
The lines were staked out, and the proportion of fence to 
bebuilt by each proprietor designated. These lines enclosed 
nearly all the lands at that time improved within the pres- 
ent boundaries of Simsbury. They did not, it is supposed, 
cross the two main roads running on each side of, and para- 
lel with the river, except at east Weatauge, but were laid 
out near to them. 

Many of the proprietors were strongly opposed to this 
decision of the committee, on the ground of alleged ine- 
quality in the division of fences ordered to be built, and 
refused to comply with the order; whilst others, from ina- 
bility, neglected to build their portions as required. It was 
many years before all these fences were built. Several per- 
sons were prosecuted for offences growing out of these 
transactions. In May, 1698, as the record states, " John 
Umphrie, of Simsbury, was fined 40 shillings, for breaking 
down some part of the common fence." 

At an early period, a controversy arose concerning a divis- 
ion of the "out lands," as they weie then termed. The 
question was whether these lands, which included all that 
had not been granted to particular individuals, belonged to 
the original proprietors of the town and their heirs, or to the 
inhabitants, generally, of the town. At a meeting held in 
April 1672, the town voted to divide a portion of these out- 
lands amongst the then present inhabitants of the town. 
By this division, each inhabitant received an equal propor- 
tion, though but a small part of the lands was thus disposed 
of. But, at a subsequent meeting held in March 1680, the 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 



81 



town, in consideration of the inequality of such a division, 
voted to rescind and reverse this act. 

The town also voted January 23, 1680-1, to divide, among 
certain persons, a tract of land lying in the vicinity of 
Salmon brook ; and in May 1688, it granted to sundry other 
persons a large portion of that part of Turkey hills lying 
east of the mountain. These last mentioned grants, how- 
ever, were annulled by the town in 1693, when another 
disposition of these lands was made. 

Upon report of a committee, previously appointed upon 
this subject, consisting of the Rev. Mr. Woodbridge, Capt. 
Thomas Holcomb and Lieut. John Pettibone, the town 
voted, April 28, 1719, " that the right of disposal of the 
common or undivided land in the township of Sirasbury is, 
and shall be, vested in all such, and in them only, who can 
derive their power so to do either from an act of the Gen- 
eral Assembly, and their heirs and assigns, or those who 
have been admitted inhabitants, and their heirs and assigns, 
by a major part of the town regularly convened, or shall be 
hereafter admitted inhabitants with that right and power of 
disposal expressly inserted in the town's vote for admission." 
And after making provision for a sufficiency of land suitable 
for a " commonage convenient as may be for the several 
squadrons of the town," the town voted " that the remain- 
ing land be sequestered to the town, qualified as above, to 
be granted as the major part shall allow of, said major part 
to be accounted, not by number of persons, but by a true list 
of their rateable estate." 

These acts of the town gave great offense to the original 
proprietors, or those who held rights under them, but espe- 
cially to that portion who were large share holders;— they 
clairningthe exclusive right to all the common and undivi- 
ded lands, and protesting, at every step, against the disposal 
of them by the town. But the town, possessing the numer- 
ical strength, and donl)lless deeming the legal title to the 
property to be vested in the corporation, proceeded to make 
grants to a large number of individuals, in puisuance of the 
town votes before stated. Accordingly, at a town meeting 
8 



82 



HISTORY OP SIMSBURY. 



called "to consider how to divide the common land," held 
December 31, 1723, which was continued for three successive 
daijSj and nearly one whole night, (the night nieeting being" 
held at the house of Andrew Robe,) grants were made to 
the greater part of the inhabitants. This induced the pro- 
prietors to apply to the legislature for relief. But the relief 
sought for was not granted until some years afterwards, 
when a general law was enacted, which vested the property 
of unappropriated lands in the proprietors of the several 
towns and their assigns. After this, the common lands 
remaining undivided in Simsbury, were managed and con- 
veyed exclusively by a committee appointed by those who 
held proprietary rights, at meetings held annually. The 
last meeting of the proprietors was held about thirty years 
since. 

None of the grants of land above mentioned, made in 
1723, exceeded in quantity to any one person, (except in 
one case) two hundred acres. Five persons had each this 
quantit}^ and the others a less quantity, varying from one 
hundred and fifty to forty acres each. The grants were 
apportioned, it is believed, by the respective amounts of the 
grantees lists of estates. The exception, above referred to, 
was the grant made to John Griffin, which was very large, 
being nearly or quite one and a half miles square. Its 
boundaries were, — beginning at the island above the falls, 
thence northerly one and a half miles, easterly to the moun- 
tain, southerly to the river, and thence by the river to the 
island. This grant, it is supposed, was made in considera- 
tion of a relinquishment to the plantation by Mr. Griffin, 
of his title derived from the Indian deeds before mentioned. 

The patent of Simsbury, in confirmation of the original 
grant of the territory made in 1670, was granted at the May 
session, 1685, and is dated March 11, 1685-6. It conveys 
to " Major John Talcolt, Capt. Benjamin Newberry, Ensign 
John Terry, Mr. John Case, Mr. Joshua Holcomb, Mr. 
Samuel Wilcox, Mr. John Higley, Mr. Thomas Barber, and 
the rest of the proprietors of the township of Simsbury, and 
their heirs and assigns forever, and to each of them, in such 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 83 

proportion as they have aheady agreed upon, for the divis- 
ion of the same," all the territory, as originally granted and 
bounded, containing ten square miles. This instrument is 
signed, in behalf of the Colony, by the Governor, and Sec- 
retary, and was further recognized, and confirmed, by an- 
other act of the General Court, in 1703. [Appendix, B.] 

The place first used for burying the dead, was on the hill, 
westerly of the present burying place at Hop meadow. In 
1688, the town voted to remove it lower down the hill — that 
it be laid out to the extent of two acres — and that the 
grounds be improved, both for a "training- and burying- 
place." The oldest monuments, now found, are of two 
deaths that occurred in 1688 — Mr. John Drake, and Mrs. 
Mary Buell, wife of Mr. Peter Buell. • 

In 1684, John Terry was appointed "Ensign of the Train- 
band," this being the first military appointment, and the 
highest of grade then in the town. In 1690, Mr. Teiry 
having deceased, John Higley was commissioned as Lieu- 
tenant, Thomas Barber as Ensign, and Joseph Stricldand 
appointed Clerk of the company. It was not until 1698, 
that there were soldiers enough in the town to make up the 
complement of a full company, — at which time, Lieut. Hig- 
ley was promoted to a captaincy — an office of great dignity 
in those days, and, with a single exception, the highest then 
known in the Colony — each county having, as chief mili- 
tar^^ officer, a Major. " The military force" of the town 
was comprised in one company until 1716, when it was 
divided into two companies, and Thomas Holcomb ap- 
pointed Captain, Nathaniel Holcomb Lieut., and Joshua 
Holcomb Ensign of the nortli company ; — and Richard Case 
Captain, John Pettibone Lieut., and Joseph Phelps Ensign, 
of the south company. 

For many years after 1700, the inhabitants residing in 
the north-easterly part of the town, were subjected to great 
inconvenience and loss, by a claim set up by Suffield, that 
they were within the limits of Massachusetts, and therefore 
liable to pay taxes to that town, which was then considered 
as belonging to that Colony. Their property was often 



84 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 



seized, and carried into Snffield, and sold for payment of 
taxes ; and other trespasses were committed, by their Snf- 
field neighbors, under the same claim, much to their annoy- 
ance and injury. The legislature of this Colony, in 1705, 
passed an Act prohibiting- them from paying taxes to Suf- 
field, and to punish, by a summary process, all persons who 
should attempt to extend the jurisdiction of Massachusetts 
over any part of Simsbury, or who should commit trespasses 
under color of acting under the laws of that Colony. Many 
prosecutions grew out of these transactions. The contro- 
versy, which was extremely vexatious to our people, was 
not entirely ended until 1750, when, on a re-survey of the 
boundary line between the two Colonies, it was found, not 
only, that these Simsbury people, but, that all the inhabitants 
of Su field, belonged to Connecticut, In this year, Suffield 
was annexed to this Colony. 

At the May session of the Assembly, 1723, a petition, 
signed by ninety-seven inhabitants of Simsbury, was pre- 
sented, asking for a township of land, seven miles square, 
to be laid out w^st of, and adjoining, Simsbury west bounds. 
The petitioners urge their application for the grant upon the 
following grounds : — 

1. " That we are under a necessity for it, and avantage of pres- 
ent settlement, by reason of our propinquinity above any other, 

2. But more particularly from the consideration of our promo- 
ting copper works which has brought about j£ 10,000 into tliis, 
from foreign plantations, and likely to create a foreign trade, and 
all to the advantage of this Colony. 

3. Also, for our encouragement in raising tar and turpentine for 
the supply of his Majesty's naval stores, and our only valuable 
commodity in foreign parts. 

4. And also in consideration for our being a frontier for above 
this forty years ; whereby we were under necessity to bear a 
double part in the (^pense and fatigues of war, being fastened 
down,* by an act of this Assembly, on penalty of loosing our free- 
holds, which however just it might be for the present, yet challen- 
ges a consideration when the Assembly have wherewith, and 
leizure to do it. 

* This " being fastened down" to their freeholds, had reference to a Reso- 
lution passed by the General Court, May 1704, by which it was ordered, 
that certain specified towns, among which was included Simsbury, and de- 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 85 

5. And to conclude, a part of the western lands we have the 
native purchase of, and have many years ago laid out lands upon ; 
and as it will create a great disturbance amongst us, so it v/ill be 
an intolerable hardship, to have them granted to any other" 

The name of the Rev. Mr. Woodbridge ^stands at the 
head of this petition, which was signed, it is believed, by- 
all the inhabitants of the town. Notwithstanding the cogent 
reasons nrged, the Assmbly did not see fit to grant the prayer 
of the petitioners. During a period of about fifty years 
from the first settlement of the town, among the very large 
number of petitions from it to the General Assembly, this 
appears to be nearly the only one which received the appro- 
bation, and contained the signatures, of all the legal inhab- 
itants of (he place. 

At the commencement of the settlement, the river and 
some of its larger tributary streams abounded with salmon 
and shad. One of these streams, Salmon brook, took its 
name from the great number of salmon found in it. So 
highly important was the fishing interest considered, that 
measures were taken quite early to protect it. About 1680, 
the town having granted permission to Ephraim Howard to 
build a mill at the foot of the falls on the east side of the 
mountain, attached to the grant an express condition that 
the dam should be so constructed as not to obstruct at any 
time .the free passage of fish. 

For a long series of years, while the river remained free 
from obstructions, and the territory near its sources was 
uninhabited, vast quantities of salmon and shad were annu- 
ally taken. So plenty were salmon, that the buyers of 
shad were reqiiked to take a pro rata proportion of the 
former an their purchases, — though at a higher price, it is 
presumed, than was asked for shad. The supply of both 

nominated <-' frontier towns," should " not be broken up or voluntarily de- 
serted," without permission from the Assembly; — "and that no inhabitant 
thereof, having a freehold estate within the same at the time of any insur- 
rection or breaking forth of war," should be allowed "to remove from 
thence., with intent to sojourn elsewhere, without liberty as aforesaid, on 
pain of forfeiting all his estate in lands and tenements lying within sueli 
townships." 

.8* 



86 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 



species continued in great abundance until about 1740, fur- 
nishing to the inhabitants no inconsiderable means of sub- 
sistence, and to the fisherman employment and profit. 

The General Court at various times adopted measures to 
protect this fishery; — at first by prohibiting the placing of 
dams or other obstructions in the river ; — and so long as 
these requirements were obeyed, and the river remained 
unobstructed, the fish continued plenty. Subseqently, 
however, it was found that the fishery was, in a great 
measure, monopolized by the people of Windsor, who were 
in the habit of using such nets and other apparatus, near 
the mouth of the river, as to prevent the passage of fish up 
the stream. This, too, was attempted to be remedied by 
other enactments. 

At a later period, laws were passed prohibiting the pla- 
cing of wears or hedges, or stretching seines or nets across 
the river, without permission, obtained from the County 
Court. This permission, unfortunately for the fishing in- 
terest, was too often granted. The most beneficial portions 
of these laws, however, being generally limited in their 
duration, were sometimes suffered to expire, and at no time, 
as it would seem, were they so obeyed or enforced, espe- 
cially near the mouth of the river, as to afford that free 
passage for fish which was intended by the legislature. 

Owing to these causes, the fishing interest became much 
impaired after about 1740, and continued to decline yearly 
thereafter; though a strong effort was made in 1763 to 
revive it by legislative interference, which was attended 
with some success. At a later period, however, by the 
increase of population and business, an additional number 
of mills being required, or at any rate, strenuously de- 
manded, the legislature granted permission for the erection 
of dams, at first, with sluice ways so as to allow the passage 
of fish, but subsequently, without any restrictions. For 
some years before the commencement of the present cen- 
tury, the fishing business had so far subsided as to be of 
little value. Few if any shad have been taken in the town 
since 1800 ; — the salmon disappeared much earlier. 



CHAPTER VII 



Manufactures. Ancient Map. Bridges. Ferry. Services rendered in tlie French Wars 
and in the War of the Revolution. Miscellaneous. 1726—1845. 

The manufacture of steel was commenced in this town on 
a small scale in 1727, and this, it is believed, was the first 
attempt to make it in this country. In 1728, Samuel Hig- 
ley, who was a son of John Higley, one of the early 
settlers of the town, presented a petition to the General 
Court stating, that " he hath, with great pains and costs, 
found out and obtained a curious art, by which to con- 
vert, change or transmute common iron into good steel, 
sufficient for any use, and was the very first that ever 
performed such an operation in America, having the most 
perfect knowledge thereof confirmed by many experi- 
ments;" — also, that he " has good reason to hope that he 
shall produce as good or better steel than what comes from 
over sea, and at considerable cheaper rate;" — and praying 
for an exclusive right to manufacture the article for a term 
of years. His request was granted, and he with his asso- 
ciates were vested with the exclusive privilege of making 
steel for the term of ten years, on condition that they, 
during that term, should prosecute the business, and bring it 
to "a good and reasonable perfection," within the period of 
two years. Proof was adduced that he had made steel from 
iron manufactured at Turkey hills, which, by competent 
artisans, was pronounced to be " good steel." To what 
extent, or duration of time, he prosecuted this business, is 
not known. The probability however is that, like most 
operations of a similai nature, commenced at that early 
period without a competent knowledge of the art, or ade- 
quate means to carry it on, the project ended in loss and 
disappointment. It is supposed that Mr. Higley derived 
what information he possessed on this subject from some of 



88 HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 

the foreigners who were employed at the copper mines in 
that vicinity. 

Twelve years afterwards, on the application of Thomas 
Fitch, George Wyllys, and Robert Walker Jr. all gentle- 
men of high standing in the state, a special act was passed, 
by the General Court, granting to them and their associates, 
"■ the sole liberty and privilege of making, manufacturing, 
and converting iron into good steel within the bounds and 
limits of this Colony," for the term of fifteen years, witli 
the proviso that they should perfect their work within two 
years, and furnish at least half a ton of steel during each 
year of said term of fifteen years. They commenced build- 
ing a furnace in this town, but by reason of the death of 
the Rev. Mr. Timothy Woodbridge, who had become asso- 
ciated with them in the enterprise, and on whom, as they 
state, "they principally depended for ye skill in preparing 
ye furnace and making ye experiment," their design was 
retarded; but upon their application, the General Court in 
1743, revived their grant for the remaining part of the said 
fifteen years, allowing them one year within which to make 
the experiment. Before the expiration of the year, to wit, 
in October 1744, Aaron Eliott and Ichabod Miller, who had 
charge of the works, certified to the Assembly, " that after 
many expensive and fruitless trialls with which sundry of 
the owners was discouraged, the aflfair being still pursued by 
others of them, it has so far succeeded that there has been 
made more than half a ton of steel at the furnace in Syms- 
bury which was erected for that purpose by the gentlemen 
to whom said grant was made." Instruments made of this 
steel were exhibited " as a specimen of ye goodness thereof 
to answer ye intentions of German steel." Upon which 
representations, the Assembly resolved that the condition of 
said grant ^' is performed according to the tenor and mean- 
ing thereof." It is understood that these works were kept 
up for some years, though it is not supposed that the pro- 
duct was extensive or the brisiness lucrative. The furnace 
was erected on the brook a short distance west of TuUer's 
mills. 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 8" 

Pitch and tar were manufactured at Massacoe as early as 
1643. The extensive forests of pine, which then spread 
over a large portion of the plantation, furnished a ready 
supply of the materials for the manufacture of these articles, 
and for the collection of turpentine which, at a subsequent 
period, became an extensive business. The manufacture of 
pitch and tar was commenced and carried on at this place 
by John Griffin and Michael Humphrey, then of Windsor, 
though subsequently both of them became inhabitants of 
this town. At first, they had a partner of the name of John 
Tinker, who afterwards settled as a merchant at New Lon- 
don. These articles being in great demand for the uses of 
the British navy, as well as for ship-building generally, com- 
manded a ready sale at high prices, and were nearly the 
only ones allowed by England to be exported. 

This, especially the turpentine business, was pursued 
more or less extensively in the town during a period of over 
one hundred years. There are indications of the localities 
of some of these works plainly visible at the present time. 
In 1728, the Rev. Mr. Woodbridge shipped at one time to 
New York nearly five tons of turpentine, as appears by the 
records of a law suit founded upon the shipment. 

During the pendency of the meeting-house question, a 
Maj) of Simshury was made — and, as it would seem, not far 
from 1730— for the purpose of showing to the Assembly, in 
the investigation of this matter, the true condition of the 
town in respect to roads, the localities of the respective 
inhabitants, &c. It is preserved in the office of the Secre- 
tary of this State, and is valuable as a relic of antiquity. 
Its general appearance indicates that it was drawn with great 
care and accuracy. In addition to the usual matter contained 
in maps, this one gives all the roads, and every dwelling 
house in town standing at that time. The main road lead- 
ing from Avon, through Hop meadow, to Salmon brook, 
with all the other roads easterly of this, are laid down very 
much as they are used at the present time. But, westerly 
of this main road, there is not, upon the map, a single road 
or house designated, excepting two or three buildings, near 



90 HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 

Tnller's mills, on Hop brook, — thus showing conclusively 
that there were no inhabitants westerly of this road, until 
after this time. With the houses, the names of a consider- 
able number of their respective owners are given. The 
whole number of houses is one hundred and sixty-two — 
fifty-eight within the limits of Granby, as at present defined, 
and one hundred and four in Simsbury. The tw^o "forts" 
before mentioned are laid down ; — one called the " Great 
Fort," situated on the plain, about one mile north of Sax- 
ton's brook, and east of the road leading from Westover's 
plain to Salmon brook; — the other, called "Shaw's Fort," 
is, perhaps, one mile north of Salmon brook street, near the 
road .leading to Sonthwick. These fortifications which, 
probably, were but block houses, protected by ditches and 
palisades, were built, it is supposed, in 1708. 

Previously to 1734, there had been no bridge constructed 
over the Farmington river, in the town. Nor were there 
any ferries, established by law, or kept at the public ex- 
pense. There were sundry places, called ferry places, 
where passages were effected. One was at Weatauge, one 
at Hop meadow, opposite the present meeting-house, an- 
other easterly of Col. Calvin Barber's house, and one at 
Terry's plain. At the Falls, the river was forded. At the 
other places mentioned, canoes were used for the passage of 
footmen, and if horses were required to pass, they were got 
over, in most cases, it is believed, by swimming. It is not 
known that there were any boats larger than canoes in use, 
at this time, though possibly there were some. They could 
have been but little needed, except for agricultural purposes, 
for there were not, at this time, any wagons or other car- 
riages in use. 

The first bridge erected over Farmington river, was a toll 
bridge, at Weatauge, in 1734. The tolls were established 
by law. A bridge, at this place, was much needed, for here 
was the great thoroughfare of travel, between the eastern 
and western sections of this part of the country. It is sup- 
posed that it was continued, as a toll bridge, only about six 
years; — after which, for a period of about forty years, a 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 91 

bridge was supported at this place by private munificence. 
In 1781, a bridge which was nearly new, having been swept 
away by a freshet, the Assembly granted a lottery, in aid of 
building another. But, it is understood, that the lottery 
project was abandoned, though the tickets had been pre- 
pared, and some of them disposed of. A bridge, however, 
w^as erected by means of other resources ; — and one has 
continued to be kept up at this place, and, for the greater 
part of the time, at the public expense. 

About 1750, a bridge was built across the river, at a place 
not now used for passing it, nearly east of Col. Barber's 
house, in Hop meadow. This, too, was erected by indi- 
vidual donations. It stood but a few years, and was the 
only one ever constructed at that place. 

In 1756, Thomas Marvin, then of this town, obtained a 
grant from the General Assembly to keep a ferry, at this 
place, for the term of ten years, and with permission of 
collecting tolls. This is the only legal-ferry ever established 
in this town. The rates of tolls allowed, w^ere, — 
For man, horse, and load, one penny. 
Single man, or single horse, one half penny. 
Neat cattle, per head, one halfpenny. 
Sheep and swine, per head, one farthing. 

In none of the laws of the Colony, relating to ferries, are 
wagons or pleasure carriages mentioned, as objects of tolls, 
until 1760 — thus showing Wien these vehicles first came into 
use. 

It is not known how long this ferry was kept up, — but 
probably it was but a short time, at these prices of ferriage. 

The first bridge built, by the town, over this river, w'as in 
1777, or 1778, and was erected at Suffrage, being the south- 
erly part of the present town of Canton. This, too, was on 
the great traveled road, before mentioned, leading into the 
county of Litchfield. 

Within a few years thereafter, a bridge was built at Ter- 
ry's plain, where one has been supported ever since, at the 
expense of the town. About 1788, one was erected nearly 
a mile north-east of the meeting-house, which was swent 



92 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 



away by a freshet in 1801, and was never rebuilt. In 1819, 
a bridge was built by individual subscriptions at Hop mead- 
ow, opposite the meeting-house. It stood but a few years, 
when another was erected at the public charge. For many 
years, there has been a bridge at the foot of the falls, in 
Scotland, supported equally by Simsbury and Granby ; and 
for nearly forty years, the latter town has supported one at 
Tariffville, near the head of the fails. Another has been 
recently erected by individuals at the village of Tariffville. 
At the present time, the town of Simsbury supports three 
bridges crossing this river — one at Weatauge, one at Hop 
meadow, and the other at Terry's plain. 

One of the most severe hail storms on record, occurred 
in the latter part of July, 1768. It seems to have been 
more violent and disastious at Weatauge, than any where 
else. The newspapers of the day represent the hail stones 
to have been of the size of " geese eggs," and the largest to 
have weighed, after the storm was over, three ounces each. 
Fruit trees and gardens suffered much damage. Large quan- 
tities of English grain were nearly destroyed — window glass 
was extensively broken — and the smaller and weaker ani- 
mals much injured. A deer, in the park of Mr. Thomas 
Case, had one of his legs broken, and was otherwise so 
injured as to cause his death. " Several hogs had their 
backs broken, some of which died some days afterwards. 
Some horses, and other large animals were cut through the 
skin by the biggest and more ragged hail-stones." Jonathan 
Pettibone Esq., Mr. Thomas Case, and others living in 
that vicinit}^ were the greatest sufferers. 

In the various wars in which the country has been engag- 
ed, the inhabitants of Simsbury have performed their full 
share of service. We have already alluded to their services 
in the early Indian wars. When, in 1711-12, forces were 
sent into thecount^^of Hampshire, Massachusetts, to oppose 
the movements of hostile Indians, who had assembled at 
that place in considerable force, apart of a company, attach- 
ed to the expedition, was raised in this town, of which Sam- 
uel Humphrey was appointed Lieutenant. His commission^ 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 93 

signed by Gov. Saltonstall, is in possession of one of his 
descendants. 

In the French war of 1756, a company was raised in the 
town " for the protection of Crown Point," and other service 
upon Lake Chaniphun, of which company, Jonathan Hum- 
phry was appointed first Lieutenant. His commission, 
signed by Gov. Fitch, has also been preserved in the same 
family. The names of the otlier officers of this company 
are not known. 

A company consisting of forty-seven men, and command- 
ed by Captain Noah Humphry was raised, chiefly in Sims- 
bury, which belonged to the corps sent out to Havana, in 
1762, under the command of General Lyman. This expe- 
dition was signalized by the great loss of life, chiefly by 
sickness, which it sustained. It is believed that less than 
one thiid of the troops ever returned home. 
, At thedisembarkat o , August 10, the Simsbury company 
consisted of forty-seven men — of whom twenty-two died 
before leaving the Island, and some of the others deceased 
on their passage home. There were fourteen men in this 
company belonging to that part of Simsbury which lies 
withii the present limits of Granby, all but two of whom 
lost their lives. These two were Andrew Hillyer and Dud- 
ley Hays. 

There hos been preserved a " Week'y Return" of this 
regiment in the hand-writing of Elihu Humphry Esq., 
who was an oflficer in the Simsbury company, and as is 
believed, was adjutant of the regiment. This return shows 
a melancholy picture of the condition of the forces, after 
their arrival at Havana, and during their continuance on the 
island, to wit, from August 10, to Octob( r 16. The expedi- 
tion consisted of eleven companies, numbering 802 men. 
The field officers, besides General Lyman, were Colonel 
Putnam and Mnjor Durkee. On the 14th of August, the 
number of troops returned as sick, was 140 ; — the next week, 
343;— September iSih, ,540! The number reported fit for 
duty, October 2d, was only thirty-four ! At the last return, 
Oct. 16, the whole number reported fit for duty was forty, 



94 HISTORY OF SI MSBURY. 

and ill Captain Humphry's company, but four. Up to this 
time, the number of deaths in the whole regiment amounted 
to three hundred and forty-two ! Some of the survivors 
died on their passage home, and others were captured or 
shipwrecked. The expedition was incomparably the most 
disastrous in its results of any ever fitted out by this Colony. 
It was a sacrifice of human life almost unexampled, and 
without the accomplishment of any valuable object. The 
extreme unhealthfulness of theplaee, at that season of the 
year, was probably then unknown ; but at the present day, 
no one would seriously think of sending troops from Con- 
necticut to occupy Havana in the month of August! 

In the war of the revolution, the inhabitants, with but 
few exceptions, espoused the cause of freedom, and ren- 
dered essential aid in the great struggle for independence. 
Before the commencement of hostilities, a tow^n meeting 
was held which, by a large majority, passed resolutions 
strongly reprobating the Boston Port Bill and other oppress- 
ive acts of the mother country. The- resolutions are spread 
upon the records of the town. They are well drafted, and 
evince a spirit of freedom and an invincible opposition to 
oppression, alike worthy of the times, and the men who 
were so soon to embark their all in the contest. Measures 
too were taken to furnish relief to their suffering brethren 
in Boston who, by their patriotic conduct, had subjected 
themselves to the especial vengeance of the British govern- 
ment. 

In the expedition secretly fitted out and sent to take fort 
Ticonderoga in April 1775, Capt. Noah Phelps of this town 
was a chief projector and principal actor. When the vol- 
unteers composing this expedition had reached lake Cham- 
plain, Capt. Phelps crossed it in a boat and entered the fort 
as a spy. Pretending that his object was to get shaved, he 
avoided suspicion, and had an opportunity to ascertain the 
construction, strength, and force of the garrison. And he 
had the good fortune to elude detection, though as it after- 
wards appeared, his presence had began to excite mistrust 
before he left the garrison. The boatman w ho conducted 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 95 

him from the fort, suspecting his character, was deterred 
from returning back by the superior strength of his passen- 
ger. Upon report of Capt. Phelps to his comrades concern- 
ing the condition of the fort, the company passed over the 
following night, and succeeded in the capture of this impor- 
tant garrison without the loss of a single man. 

In addition to the valuable ordnance and military stores 
which fell into the hands of the Americans by this exploit, 
there were taken Gov. Skeene with his suit, the officers of 
the garrison, and forty-seven privates, all of whom were 
sent to Haitford as prisoners of war. The American force 
amounted to eighty-three persons, many of whom were 
volunteers from Vermont. 

As this enterprise was undertaken before the declaration 
of Independence, the state, as such, did not openly favor the 
design. But the funds to re-imburse its expenses were fur- 
nished from the treasury on notes executed by a few indi- 
viduals, which notes were subsequently cancelled and 
given up. 

Early in May 1775, a company under the command of 
captain Abel Peftibone, was raised in the town and sent to 
the camp near Boston. This company consisted of over 
one hundred men, and continued in service until the l8th 
of December following. Volunteers from this company 
were engaged in the battle at Bunker Hill. 

Immediately after this battle, another company was raised 
by enlistment, and composed principally of men belonging 
to Simsbury. The officers were, Elihu Humphry Captain, 
Ebenezer F. Bissell and Andrew Hillyer Lieutenants, Sam- 
uel Stoughton Ensign, and Jonathan Humphry Jr. Clerk. 
The company consisted of seventy-five men, rank and file. 
On the day of their march for the camp, they were assem- 
bled ill the meeting-house, where a sermon, peculiarly 
adapted to the times, was preached to them by the Rev. 
Mr. Pitkin of Farmington. They were retained in service 
near Boston until the following December. The original 
muster roll of this company has been preserved. 

Thecoramander of this company was subsequently raised 



96 HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 

to the grade of Major in the Continental line, but died soon 
afterwards, near the close of 1776, in service. He was a 
brave and efficient officer, and had served, as before stated, 
in the expedition to Havana. 

Other troops were raised in 1776. From a return of the 
18th regiment of militia, under the command of Colonel 
Jonathan Humphry, dated in July 1777, it appears that 
twohundred and sixty-four men, belonging to this regiment, 
were then in service in the Continental army. There were 
twenty-one companies belonging to the regiment, with an 
aggregate force of one thousand one Iiundred and forty-nine 
men, more than three quarters of whom belonged to Sims- 
bury. In 1778, the whole of this regiment was called into 
service in tlie vicinity of New York. During this expedi- 
tion, Colonel Humphvy died at Horse-neck. He was 
much engaged for a long series of years in public employ- 
ments, and eminently enjoyed the confidence of his fellow 
citizens. 

Subsequently, the whole regiment, or a portion of it, was 
occasionally detached, though generally for short periods 
of service. Nearly every man belonging to it had served 
in the war. Of enlisted men for the army, few, if any of 
the towns furnislied a larger number. A company under 
the command of Captain, afterwards General, Noah Phelps, 
was raised in this manner for the service. His brother. Cap- 
tain Elisha Phelps, was a Commissary in the army until his 
decease in 1776. Besides those already mentioned, a large 
number of persons belonging to the town lost their lives 
while employed in the public service. 

The extraordinary dark day of 1780, is still remembered 
and often adverted to by aged people. It occurred, it .will 
be remembered, during the revolutionary war, and at the 
most gloomy period of that struggle. The event, was 
very generally considered as supernatural. It caused 
much alarm among the people, and was to some consid- 
erable extent believed to prognosticate some great national 
calamity. 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 97 

The following description of the darkness, which occurred 
on this day, is from a diary kept by John Owen Esq. Under 
date of Friday, May 19, 1780, he says :— 

The darkness " began in the morning with a thick air, and 
between 8 and 9, 1 observed an uncommon yellowish green spread 
over every object above and below, which continued increasing 
and withall growing darker and darker — so that about 30 minutes 
past 10 A. M., I laid by my business of writing in the light room 
where I now am — everything seemed to turn of a red yellow dark 
green. I walked abroad, every thing appeared gloomy. The 
fowls retired to roost, and evening birds to their songs. This con- 
tinued until near noon, when the air in some measure cleared up, 
and the sun appeared." 

" As this darkness was a new phenomenon, everyone will speak 
of it as they like. But I will set it down as my own opinion that 
it is a prelude of something extraordinary to happen to this coun- ' 
try. It is indeed a lively picture and emblem of the mental dark- 
ness now abounding." 

He adds, that he has " heard for about one hundred miles each 
way, and the appearance was much the same as here." 

There was nothing in this event of a nature so extraordi- 
nary as to justify the appellation of " supernatural," which 
Judge Owen and others gave to it, nor in reality to cause the 
alarm which, it is said, so generally prevailed. The dark- 
ness is easily accounted for. It was imdoubtedly produced 
by the accumulation of thicker and denser masses of vapor 
or smoke than w^as usual, in ordinary cloudy weather. 

Soon after the commencement of the last war in 1812, 
Messrs. Allyn and Phelps erected works for the manufac- 
ture of iron wire, at the place now occupied by the carpet 
manufactory at Tariffville. Tlie iron used was obtained 
from Salisbury, which after being rolled into rods of about 
three fourths of an inch in diameter at Winsted, was carried 
to the factory and drawn into wire of all sizes. Large 
quantities were manufactured, especially of the finer kind 
used by card makers, which found a ready jnarket in Wor- 
cester county, Massachusetts, and other places where cards, 
and especially machine cards, were manufactured. After 
the peace in 1815, coarse wire could not be made at a profit, 
and its manufacture was discontinued ; but card wire was 

continued to be made some years afterwards, not only at 
9* 



98 HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 

these works, but by Cowles and Mills, on the same river, 
farther down the stream, and also by a Mr. Piouty, in con- 
nexion with E. Phelps Esq. on the nortli branch of Hop 
brook. The wire-drawing business is still continued at this 
place by Mr. Zebulon Cbapin. 

Each of these establishments had connected with it a 
card factory. That of Allyn and Phelps, carried on under 
the name of Allyn, Johnson and Co. commenced the busi- 
ness during- the war. At first, hand cards only were made, 
but afterwards machine cards, which at this time became in 
great demand. These works were afterwards removed to 
Hartford, and some of the others were discontinued. The 
business was at times profitable, and was pursued exten- 
sively. But after the introduction of machinery for setting 
card teeth, these establishments, not having the benefit of 
this machinery, were compelled to abandon the business. 
Near the close of the war, Mr. Tiiomas Case was also enga- 
ged for a short time in the manufacture of hand cards. 

Tin ware has been manufactured in this town about fifty 
years. Joel Saxton, Samuel Vining, Thomas Barber and 
others, have been engaged in the business. It is now carried 
on, as it has been some years, by Moses Ensign Esq. 

Richard Bacon Esq. in connection with partners residing 
in England, have works at East Weatauge, for the manufac- 
ture of Safet)^ Fuse for blasting rocks. There is no other 
establishment of the kind in the United States, and but one 
other in the world. This one is in England. The process 
of manufacturing the article is patented, and the company 
in Simsbury is called " The Patent Fuse Company." 

The factory of the Tariff ville Manufacturing Company 
is situated at the north-east corner of the town, on the Far- 
mington river. The village, which is called Tariffville, lies 
about twelve miles from Hartford, and contains about one 
thousand inhabitants. A part of the factory buildings were 
erected, nearly twenty years since, by a company called the 
"New England Carpet Company." Within a few years, 
the property has passed into the hands of a new company, 
called the " TariflVille Manufacturing Company," who have 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 99 

extended the works and constructed many additional build- 
ings. The water used is taken from the river and conducted 
to the mills by a canal of about sixty rods in length. Until 
recently, the business of the company has been confined to 
the manufacture of carpets, but another large mill having 
recently been erected, coarse woolen cloths are now also 
manufactured at this place. 

The carpet factory is on an extended scale, being one of 
the largest in this country. It employs about three hundred 
hands, and makes yearly about three hundred thousand 
yards of carpetings, called fine, superfine, three ply and 
Venetian, which bear a high reputation, and are fully equal 
to imported fabrics of similar kinds. Great improvements 
have been made recently in the manufacture of this article, 
especially in colors, workmanship, and finish. Hearth rugs 
are also made at this mill, and the company expect very 
shortly to commence manufacturing Brussel carpets. 

The new mill employs about one hundred and fifty hands, 
and makes at the rate of about six hundred thousand yards 
yearly of woolen cloths of a coarse quality, Tweeds, Jeans, 
&c. These factories make this one of the most important 
manufacturing villages in the state. 

By the original grant, the dimensions of the town were 
ten miles square. When the line between Connecticut and 
Massachusetts was surveyed and established in 1750, it was 
found that a strip of land, over three miles in width, remained 
lying between the north boundary of Simsbury and the 
state line. This was annexed to Simsbury by act of the 
legislature, by which the length of the town north and south 
was increased so as to extend over thirteen miles ; — tlie 
west line being about fourteen miles.* 

* In 1728, on report of a committee to ascertain and lay out the loest line 
of Simsbury, which report was accepted by the Assembly, the south line, 
beginning at the southeast corner of the town, was found to run, west twenty 
minutes south ; — the east line, from the same point, to run north twenty-three 
degrees east, ten miles and eight rods ; thence west twenty-four degrees 
north, eight miles and one hundred and twenty-eight rods : and the west line 



100 HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. ' 

The tovyn was divided into two nearly equal parts when 
Granby was incorporated in 1786 — the latter town taking 
the north division. Canton was set off from the west side 
of Sinisbury in 1S06 ; and in 1843, the eastern part, from the 
top of the mountain, was annexed to Bloomfield. The 
present dimensions of the town are about four by seven 
miles. Thus has this ancient town been curtailed on three 
sides, and reduced from one of the largest, to one of the 
smallest towns in the state. 

It is believed that in 1670, when the town was incorpora- 
ted, there were not over forty families residing within its 
limits ; and in 1680, not exceeding forty-five. In 1689, 
when the inhabitants were first subjected to a Colony tax, 
the list shows seventy taxable persons, tliat is, male persons 
between sixteen and seventy years of age, and .£3606 of 
estates. From this time, until 1709, twenty years, the tax- 
able persons had increased but fifteen, and the amount of 
estates but .£487, — both having varied considerably in the 
interim. Allowing a population of five for each taxable 
person (which allowance would be considered high,) and 
the number of inhabitants in 1709 would be four hundred 
and twenty-five. From this it would appear that, during 
these thirty-nine years, from 1670, the progress of popula- 
tion had been slow, — especially in comparison with the 
usual rate of increase in new towns at the present time. 
Some additional liglit may be obtained on this subject by 
adverting to the tax lists during a portion of this period. In 
1694, the number of persons against whom town taxes were 
laid, was sixty-three ; including at least three persons who 
were non-residents. The number taxed for the support of 
the ministry in 1696 was sixty-eight, — and in 1701, seventy. 
[Appendix, C. and D.] 

to run parallel with the said east line ; — making " the just contents of ten 
miles square." 

Many law suits grew out of this survey, and the question relating to the 
western line of the town was not permanently settled until within forty 
years past. This line having been surveyed by a Mr. Kimberly, was called 
*' Kimberly's line," 



HISTORY OF SIMSBURY. 101 

The whole number of houses in 1730, according to the 
map of the town before mentioned, was one hundred and 
sixty-two. If we estimate the number of occupants of each 
house at six persons, the whole number of inhabitants at 
that time would amount to nine hundred and seventy-two. 
Soon after this, lands in the western part of the town began 
to be taken up, and the population thereafter increased 
more rapidly. 

The first census of the Colony was taken in 1756, in pur- 
suance of orders sent from England, when the population 
of Simsbury was ascertained to be, two thousand two hun- 
dred and forty-five persons. Since that time, there have 
been made, by the public authorities, eight enumerations 
of the inhabitants, which show the following lesults. 

Years, . . . 1774. 1782. 1790. 1800. 1810. 1820. 1830. 1S40. 
Population, 3,700. 4,664. . 2,-576. 2,956. 1,966. 1,954. 2,221. 1,895 

It will be recollected that Granby was set off in 1786, and 
Canton in 1806. 

In 1782, there were but nine towns in the state which by 
the census show a greater population than Simsbury. Hart- 
ford, which then included East Hartford and Manchester, 
contained but 5,495 persons. Middletown, 4,512. 

A Post office was established in this town in 1798. Its 
location at first was at Suffrage, in the southern part of the 
present town of Canton. In 1802 it Avas removed to Wea- 
tauge, and in 1806, to Hop meadow. There is another one 
at Tariffville, which has been established nearly twenty 
years. 

The town contains eleven Common School Districts. 
Schools of a higher order are kept occasionally, though not 
permanently. 

Simsbury is situated about twelve miles north-west from 
Hartford. In fertility of soil, especially of its meadow lands, 
and in beauty of scenery, as viewed from the mountain, it 
is surpassed but by few towns in the state. The New Haven 
and Northampton canal passes through the center of the 
town. 

The oldest person now living in town is Mrs. Ensign, 



102 HISTORY OP SIMSBURY. 

aged ninety-four years, relict of the late Mr. Isaac Ensign. 
The next oldest is Mr. Timothy Terry, who is ninety years 
old. 

There are but few towns in the state — perhaps none of 
equal population — in which a greater number of men hold- 
ing prominent stations in society have been born. So stri- 
king has been this fact, that it has attracted the attention of 
several gentlemen of the town, who have deemed the matter 
of sufficient importance to furnish for publication a list 
of prominent offices held by persons born in the place. 
[Appendix, E.] 

For lists of Judges of Probate, Representatives, Justices 
of the Peace, and Town Clerks, see Appendix, F. G. H. 
and I. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

GRANBY. 
Settlement. Civil and Ecclesiastical History. 1681—1845. 

Granby was set off from the north part of Simsbury, and 
incorporated in 1786. Its extent is about six by nine and a 
half miles. The soil is of various kinds. The best lands 
lie in the eastern section of the town and in the valley of 
Salmon brook. In general, the lands are adapted to the 
purposes of agriculture, in which business the inhabitants 
are chiefly engaged. The New Haven and Northampton 
Canal, which passes through the center of the town, facil- 
itates the transportation of such products as are destined to 
a market. 

The settlement of the territory included within the pres- 
ent limits of Granby was, with the exception of one or two 
families, commenced at a later period than that of Simsbury. 
It is supposed that John Griffin lived at the Falls, and was 
settled there as early as 1664. One or two other persons 
had lands near the same place, and might have been in the 
occupancy of them at about the same time. These persons 
had their grants from the General Court. 

The first grants of lands lying within the town made by 
the original town, Simsbury, were made in 1679, to thirteen 
persons. The lands thus granted lay at Salmon brook. 
Owing to the Indian difficulties, these proprietors, as stated 
in the History of Simsbury, were ordered to build their dwell- 
ing- houses at Westover's plain. It does not appear from 
the records who these grantees Were. 

Two years afterwards, this policy seems to have been 
changed, and an effijrt was made to commence a settlement 
at this place, with the view, probably, of giving greater secu- 



104 HISTORY OF GRANBY. 

rity to the inhabitants residing some miles farther south. 
The town voted in January 1680-1, to divide a tract of land 
lying in the vicinity of Salmon brook, (reserving tvv'o lots, 
one for tlie minister, and the other for Michael Humphry) 
to Nathaniel Holcomb, Andrew Moore, Daniel Adams, 
Josiah Owen, Samuel Wilson, Josiah Ellsworth, and Nathan 
Gillett, upon condition that each grantee should take pos- 
session of his lot, and continue to reside upon it for the term 
of seven years, and make improvements by building fences, 
and preparing the land for cultivation. Some of the grant- 
ees refused to accept these conditions, and their rights were 
subsequently granted to other persons. At least three of 
them belonged to Windsor, and were never inhabitants of 
this town. Of this number was Mr. Ellsworth, who was the 
ancestor of the Hon. Oliver Ellsworlh. The other grantees, 
it is believed, took possession of their lots, but none of them, 
it is supposed, continued to occupy them during the required 
term of seven years. They were so much exposed to Indian 
depredations, and so far removed from any wl)ite settlement, 
as to render it very improbable that they would have 
remained there during this term, under such circumstances 
and at this critical period. 

It is known that a block house was erected in Salmon 
brook at a very early period of the settlement, to which the 
first inhabitants resorted every night for safety, and at all 
other times when, by the usual signal, an alarm was spread 
that there were strange Indians in the neighborhood. These 
alarms were so often given, that the irdrabitants lived in 
almost constant dread of danger. It is under l(;od tluit the 
small settlement here was often deserted and abandoned for 
this cause. This accounts for the slow progress of popula- 
tion at this place for nearly twenty years after the first 
attempt was made to settle it. The block house had a 
stockade and other defenses, and stood near the present 
dwelling house of Mr. Charles Pettibone. 

In May 1688, a tier of lots lying in the eastern section of 
the town, Turkey hills, were conditionally granted by the 



HISTORY OP GRANBY. 



105 



town to sundry persons.* Amongst the grantees, was the 
Rev. Edward Thompson, who never occnpied his lot, but 
some of his descendants live upon it at the present time. 
These lots varied from thirty to fifty rods in width, and 
extended from the east bounds of the town westwardly to 
the mountain. But in February, 1693, these grants were 
all annulled by a vote of the town, by reason of a non per- 
formance of the condition to which they were subjected. At 
the same time, or shortly afterwards, the same lands were 
divided and allotted to several proprietors, including nearly 
all the former ones ; — but it does not appear that any of 
them occupied or improved their premises until some years 
afterwards. Indeed it is believed that the settlement of this 
part of the town did not commence until about 1700. 

Notwithstanding the numerous grants made, there were 
but a few families settled within the present limits of Granby 
prior to 1709; — and subsequently, until about* 1720, the 
progress in population was at a slow pace. It appears from 
a petition presented to the General Court in 1728, that, 
within these limits, there were in 1709 but eleven families — 
nine on the west, and two on the east side of Salmon brook ; 
and that in 1728, the number of families on the west side 
of the brook had increased to twenty-seven, — on the east 



* " Lots drawn at Northeast < 


corner 


ofS 


imsbury bounds, May 


16S8." 






NO. OF LOT. 






NO. OF 


LOT. 


Mr. Edward Thompson, 




19 


Mr. 


. Nathaniel Holcomb, 




12 


John Higley, 




16 




John Case Jun. 




20 


Andrew Hillyer, 




5 




John Pettibone Sen. 




9 


Joshua Holcomb, 




13 




John Case Sen. 




10 


Daniel Adams, 




22 




Arthur Henbury, 




6 


Peter Buell, 




2 




Thomas Barber, 




4 


Joseph Owen, 




18 




John Williams, 




3 


William Smith, 




15 




Serg't Wilcoxson, 




17 


Luke Hill, 




11 




John Saxton, 




23 


Nicholas Gozard, 




8 




John Drake, 




21 


Lieut. Terry, 




7 




Humphry Prior, 




1 


Ephraim Howard, 




14 










The lots number from north to south. 










10 













106 HISTORY OF GRANBY. 

side of tlie brook and west of the mountain to eleven, — and 
on the east side of tlic mountain the number was twenty- 
four; — in the whole, sixty-two families, exclusive of the 
small settlement at the Falls. 

About the year 1710, iron was manufactured from bog ore 
found in Turkey hills and its vicinity. Before 172S, a fur- 
nace called the " New Works" was erected on the east street 
in that village, nearly a mile north of the road leading from 
the west street to Poquonock. The establishment was kept 
in operation many years, and furnished the principal supply 
of iron for that section of country. The works, it is pre- 
sumed, did not prove profitable, for they were abandoned 
many years ago, though the ore had not become exhausted. 
It is found in that locality at the present time. 

In 1723 an unusual number of town grants were made, 
by which large portions of the best lands were taken up 
and occulted by the respective proprietors. About this 
time too, all apprehensions of danger from attacks by the 
Indians had subsided, and the population increased so rap- 
idly from this period, as to authorise, in 1736, the formation 
of two Ecclesiastical Societies. The tax lists of 1761 show 
a large addition to the number of inhabitants. At the break- 
ing out of the war in 1775, nearly all parts of the town had 
become settled, furnishing a population nearly as dense as 
many of the older settlements. 

The General AsscMubiy in 1736, established two Ecclesi- 
astical Societies, the southern lines of which correspond with 
the southern town line as subsequently designated when the 
town was incorporated. They were then called the North 
West and North East Societies. 

Before the organization of these societies, the inhabitants 
had, for some time, been in the practice of holding meetings 
for public worsliip both at Salmon brook and Turkey hills. 
Those belonging to the former place, assembled at the house 
of Mr. Daniel Hays, who resided in the southern part of 
Salmon brook village. He was allowed thirty shillings a 
year for the use of his house. 



HISTORY OF GRANBY. 107 

From the records of the North West, or Salmon brook 
Society, it appears, that their first meeting was hekl in May 
1739. It was convened to adopt measures in reference to 
the construction of a meeting-house. But, as the meeting 
could not agree where to set the liouse, application was 
made to the General Assembly for a committee to settle the 
question. On report of the committee, the site established 
was on the hill north of Salmon brook village. The first 
meeting-house was erected at this place in 1740. Its dimen- 
sions were, thirty by forty-five feet. 

In the course of a few^ years, by the extension of popula- 
tion weslvvardly, the house was left so far from the centre 
of population as to cause complaint, and induce a majority 
of the society to adopt measures for its removal. Their 
efforts were successful. In 1775 the house was taken down 
and removed about two miles in a north-westvvardly direc- 
tion, to a place designated by a committee appointed by the 
County Court, where it was re-built. In 1793 the bouse 
was enlarged and painted inside. This house was taken 
down, and a new one erected in 1834. The new house 
stands a few rods northerly from the site of the old one. 
It is a commodious building, sixty by forty feet, is pamted 
and has a tower and bell. 

The first clergyman settled over the parish was the Rev. 
Joseph Strong, who was ordained in 1752. He was allowed 
a salary of fifty pounds, fire wood, and the use of a dwelling 
house. The house built for him by the society is still stand- 
ing in the village of Salmon brook, and is now occupied by 
Mr. Peter J. Jewitt. Mr. Strong was dismissed in 1779. 
He removed to Williamsburgh, Massachusetts, where he 
was settled, and at which place he continued in the ministry 
nntil his death. The Rev. Israel Harley was settled October 
20, 1784, and dismissed in 1793. Rev. Isaac Porter was 
ordained June 25, 1794. He continued in the pastoral office 
until December 26, 1832— over thirty-eight years— when 
he was dismissed. Rev. Charles Benlly was installed in 
August 1833, and dismissed in March 1839. In October of 
the same year, the Rev, Chauncey D. Rice was installed, 



108 HISTORY OP GRANBY. 

and in July 1841, dismissed. The present pastor, the Rev. 
Israel P. Warren, was ordained April 20, 1842. 

Soon after the town was divided into several ecclesias- 
tical societies, the people of Turkey hills took measures to 
organize their society. Their first meeting was held, June 
16, 1737, when it was voted to apply to the General Assem- 
bly to send out a committee to designate the place where to 
set their meeting-house. In the same year, it was voted to 
build a house thirty-five by forty feet, with twenty feet posts. 
The building was commenced the next year, and was placed 
in the street a few rods southerly of the dwelling house of 
Appleton Robbins Esq. In 1794 a large tax was raised to 
repair the house, and annex to it a steeple. It was taken 
down in 1830, having stood ninety-two years. 

The first clergyman employed, was a Mr. Wolcott, who 
preached in this society in 1737: — it is unknown how long 
he continued to officiate. 

In 1741, the Rev. Ebenezer Mills was settled with a 
salary of ^150, and .£500 settlement, "old tenor" money. 
He was dismissed in 1754. 

From 1754 to 1760, the pulpit was supplied by the Rev. 
Messrs. Holmes, Colton, and Root, each of whom preached 
as a candidate for settlement. 

The Rev. Nehemiah Strong, who, several years after- 
wards became a Professor in Yale College, was settled as 
pastor January 21, 1760, and was dismissed in 1768. In 
1765, the society voted to ofler him, in lieu of his ordinary 
settlement, seventy pounds, one half to be paid in provis- 
ions as follows ; — wheat at four, rye three, and Indian corn, 
tivo shillings per hush.e\, — pork at three pence, and beef at 
twopence per pound. 

In 1771, the Rev. James Treadway was employed to 
preach six months, at twenty shillings a sabbath. During 
the next year, a Mr. Mather, and afterwards Mr. Abel For- 
ward, officiated ; and in 1774, and 1775, the Rev. Emmer- 
son Foster preached about two years on probation. 

Rev. Aaron J. Booge was settled Nov. 27, 1776. The 
society voted to appoint seventeen tavernkeepers for the day 



HISTORY OF GRANBY. 109 

of ordination.* Mr. Booge was dismissed, Dec. 8, 1785, 
but supplied the pulpit about four years afterwards. At 
the time of his ordination, there were fourteen males, 
and twenty-three females, in full communion as church 
members.! 

In 1791, and 1792, Rev. Mr. Churchill preached, and 
received a call to settle, which was declined. 

The Rev. Whitfield Cowles was ordained June IS, 1794, 
with a salary of eighty-six pounds, with interest, if not paid 
punctually. For some years before the ternu'nation of his 
ministry, he became unpopular with a large portion of his 
congregation, though a majority adhered to him. His con- 
nexion with the society was terminated in tlie fall of 1808, 
by the sentence of an ecclesiastical tribunal, which also dis- 
missed him from the ministry. The society soon afterwards 
became disorganized, and ceased to be a legal corporation. 
In 1812, on application to the General Assembly, authority 
was granted to revive its powers by a re-organization. 

After this period, and before 1815, the Rev. John Taylor, 
and Rev. Nathaniel Dwight officiated occasionally. In 
1815, the society united with the state in hiring a minister, 
who spent a part of each sabbath at Newgate prison, and 
gave a call to the Rev. Hervey Wilbur, which was rejected. 

Rev. Eber L. Clark was installed July 3, 1816, with a 
salary from the society of $300. He was employed during 
the same time as chaplain of the prison, at which institution 
he preached one half of the time. He was dismissed in 
1820. 

Rev. Stephen Crosby was installed in 1826, and remained 
pastor of the church until January 3, 1832, when he was 

* Settlement, £200. Salary, £50, for the first four years ; — thereafter, 
£60, and twenty-seven cords of wood annually, — one half of the settlement 
payable in provisions. In 177S, a part of the salary was paid in produce — 
wheat dljive, rye three, and corn at ttco and three pence per bushel. 

t The male members were. Deacon Samuel Owen, Dea. Asahel Holcomb, 
John Granger, John Cornish, Richard Gay, Micah Moore, Capt. Zacheus 
Gillett, John Drake, John Thrall, Nathaniel Mather, Kenoni Viets, Timothy 
Hawley, Thomas Ha.wley and Zachary Prince, (colored.) 

10* 



110 HISTORY OF GRANBY. 

dismissed. Rev. Daniel Hemingway was installed July 3, 
1832, and dismissed in 1842. The present pastor, Rev. 
Jonas B. Clark, was ordained November 1, 1842. 

The construction of the present meeting-house was com- 
menced in September 1830, and finished June 1831, at an 
expense of $3,430. It is a handsome edifice, thirty-six by 
fifty-two feet, having" a basement story, tower and bell. Its 
main walls are built with trap stone, with which the adja- 
cent mountain abounds. 

Extracts from, the Society Records — " at a Legall meting held 
by a jornmunt, Janawary 12, 1742-3, — voted that this Sosiatey 
will rays a rate of two shillings on the povnd on the comon List 
given Last agvst to Defray ovr minestearell and Sosiatey Charges. 

Voted that Left. Phelps and Insine Cornish shall be a Coaiittey 
to Look after the pasnege Land at Sinisbury. 

Voted that Isaac Gillitt Juner should be Collecterer for ye j-ear 
Insving to gether the rate. 

Voted that the presant Comittey shall Lay ovt the overplush 
nif thare be aney to finnish the meting hovs. 

Voted that Robord Jonson and Elix Cooners rates shovld be svs- 
pended that ar In Joseph forwards hand vntill he hath oppertvnity 
to git them." 

In 1748, a committee was appointed by the society to demand 
their part of the " Parsonage land in Simsbury, and likewise of 
the old meeting house." 

A difficulty having arose about singing, it was voted in 1773, 
" to sing new tunes half the time, and old tunes the other half." 

In 1786, when measures were in progress to establish the new 
town, Granby, the society voted, yeas thirty, nays seven, " that 
they did not wish to be set oil' from the south part of the town of 
Simsbury." 

The first tax raised in federal money was in December 1794. 
At about this time, this currency M'as substituted for the old one 
in all legal proceedings. 

" At a meeting January 14,1805, — Voted to adjourn to the 28th 
instant. 

January 28, 1805 was an exceeding stormy, tedious day, and the 
paths so filled with snow that no one attended the meeting agree- 
able to the above adjournment. Test. Israel C- Phelps, Clerk.'''' 

*' At a Society Meeting November 1818; — Voted that the Pru- 
dential Committee be instructed to expend thirty dollars of the 
Appropriation Money, lately received by the Society from this 
State, for the purchase of lottery tickets, the avails of which 
shall be applied according to the Act of the Legislature relative to 
the expenditure of said Appropriation." 



HISTORY OP GRANBY. Ill 

The Episcopalians have a church at Sahnon brook vil- 
lage, erected in 1792, but not finished until 1800, when a 
steeple was attached to it. The parish is small, and too 
weak to support a clergyman permanently. It is generally 
supplied with the ministrations of the gospel for a part of 
the time by uniting with St. Andrew's Paiish, Scotland, in 
hiring a Reactor for both Parishes. Rev. Ambrose Todd, 
Asa Corn well, Samuel Griswold, Nathaniel Huse, and others 
occasionally, have been the officiating clergymen. 

The Methodists, in the aggregate, compose a numerous 
class, and have a number of places for holding their reli- 
gious meetings. They have a meeting-house, erected in 
1840, which stands about one mile north of the old Newgate 
prison, and are about building another one in the western 
part of the town. They have also occasional meetings in 
other places, which, in general, are held in school houses. 

There is a society of Universalists in North Granby. The 
members meet every other Sunday for worship, and have 
taken measures to erect a house for their religious meetings. 
The town w^as incorporated in October 1786. The first 
^town meeting was held at the meeting-house in the society 
of Salmon brook, on the first Monday^ in December follow- 
ing. Asahel Holcomb Esq. was appointed moderator, Judah 
Holcomb Jr. town clerk, — Capt. Samuel Hayes, Asahel 
Holcomb and Lieut. Pliny HilJyer, selectmen, — Ensign 
Daniel Holcomb, " head constable to collect the state 
taxes," — Thomas Spring, town collector for Salmon brook 
society, and constable, — and Capt. Andrew Hillyer town 
collector for Turkey hills society, and constable. It was 
voted that two-thirds of the annual meetings be holden in 
Salmon brook society, and the other third in the society of 
Turkey hills. 

By the Act of Incorporation, the town was restricted to 
one representative in the General Assembly ; but in 1794, 
it was allowed two representatives thereafter. 

About the year 1790, an academy was established at Sal- 
mon brook, which for some years was in a prosperous con- 
dition. It was discontinued soon after 1800. There are 



112 HISTORY OP GRANBY. 

two school societies in the town, eighteen district schools, 
and four post offices. 

There is a number of small manufacturing establishments 
in the town, but in none of them is a large investment of 
capital required. 

The number of inhabitants in 1790, was 2,595 ; — 1800, 
2,735;— 1810, 2,696 ;— 1820, 3,012;— 1830, 2,733 ;— 1840, 
2,611. 

For lists of Judges of Probate, Representatives, Justices 
of the Peace and Town Clerks, see Appendix, F. G. H. 
and I. 



CHAPTER IX 



Thb Copper Mines. Discovery. Magnitude of the Works. Amount of Disluirsements. 
Smelting Works at Hanover. The Phoenix Mining Company. 1705—1833. 

The copper mines, known afterwards as the site of the 
celebrated state prison, called Newgate, are situated on the 
west side of the east mountain in Granby. The place, for 
many years, was called " Copper Hill." It is not known 
at what period copper ore was first discovered here. The 
first record evidence relating to the mines is under date of 
December, 1705, when, at a town meeting of the inhabit- 
ants of Simsbury,* upon suggestion made " that there was 
a mine either of silver or copper found in the town," a 
committee was appointed to make search for the same and 
report to a future meeting. 

The report of the committee does not appear on record, 
but is presumed to have been favorable to the discovery, for 
in 1707 an association, comprising all such proprietors of 
the town as had subscribed, or who within a limited time 
should subscribe the articles of agreement, was formed to 
work the mines. Copper-hill at this time was a wilder- 
ness ;— and as none of the lands in that vicinity had been 
sold or granted, the right of soil remained in the "proprie- 
tors of the town," nearly all of whom came into this agree- 
ment. The association, after deducting the expenses of the 
works, was to allow the town ten shillings on each ton of 
copper produced, and to divide the residue among the part- 
ners of the concern in proportion to the amounts of their 
respective lists. The mining operations commenced about 
this time, and under this partnership concern. 

* The mines then, and for eighty years afterwards, were within the town of 
Simsbury. 



114 



HISTORY OF GRANBY. 



This company dug the ore only — they did not undertake 
to smelt it. But, in the same year, they entered into a con- 
tract with Messrs. John Woodbridge of Springfield, Dudley 
Woodbridge of Simsbury, and Timothy Woodbridge Jr. 
then of Hartford, all clergymen, by which these gentlemen 
agreed to run and refine the ore, and cast the metal into 
bars fit for transportation or a market ; — and after deducting 
the tenth part belonging to the towni, of which two-thirds 
thereof was to be given for the maintenance " of an able 
schoolmaster in Simsbury," and the other third to the 
" Collegiate school," Yale College, — the residue was to be 
equally divided between them and the proprietors or work- 
ers of the mine. 

The business was carried on in this manner but a few 
years — probabl}"^ because the smelting process was not 
understood, and could not be proceeded with to the advan- 
tage of either party. In 1712, the proprietors, or " asso- 
ciation," appointed a committee to call the contractors " to 
■account, and, if necessary, to sue them for the ore that had 
been brought to them at divers times." 

The legislature, in consideration that " a public benefit" 
might result from these mines, and to aid the proprietors in 
the management thereof, passed an act in 1709, vesting the 
right to control all matters relating to tlie mines " in the 
major part of the proprietors according to the interest of each 
proprietor," and providing for organizing and holding meet- 
ings of the proprietors, and appointing a comn)ittee to man- 
:age their concerns. The act also provided for the adjudi- 
cation of all matters in controversy between any and all 
persons connected with the mines, by a board of three com- 
missioners, with power to summon a jury in cases where the 
sum in controversy exceeded a certain amount. This couit 
held its sessions generally at the mines, though sometimes 
at other places. It had a clerk, and its jurisdiction, in 
amount of damages claimed, was co-extensive with that of 
County courts. A vast deal of business was disposed of by 
this tribunal, by the agency of which, both time and expense 
was saved by the litigating parties. 



HISTORY OF GRANBY. 115 

Th business on the part of the proprietors was managed 
under the provisions of this act, and other similar acts, by a. 
committee appointed annually during the whole time that 
the mines were worked, (befor^. the Phoenix company com- 
menced operations,) a period of over sixty- years. This 
committee, at various times, made leases to several individ- 
uals or companies, of certain portions or specified rights in 
the common lands where copper ore had been or might be 
discovered, daring a term of years ; — the lessees on their 
part agreeing to pay to the committee a per centage on the 
ore procured ; or a certain portion, generally one-thirtieth 
part, of the copper extracted from the ore and manufactured 
fit for market. In no case did any of these leases extend 
beyond thirty years. 

Some of the wealthiest capitalists in Boston and New 
York, took leases and embarked in the enterprise. A com- 
pany too, belonging to Holland, and another company 
belonging to London, were for many years interested in the 
concern, and furnished large sums of money to carry on the 
works. The Woodbridge family, and at least one member 
of the Wyllys family, were many years largely engaged in 
the business. These mining operations were very exten- 
sively pursued from 1713 to about 1737, and to some extent 
until the war of 1775. The amount of money expended 
cannot be ascertained, but must have been very large. 
During a period of two years from August, 1716, one com- 
pany, under the superintendence of Elias Boudinot,* ex- 
pended about three thousand dollars. A petition, dated in 
1723, states that " the copper works had brought into this 
plantation from foreign countries, about ten thousand 
pounds." Governor Belcher, of Boston, in a letter dated 
1735, states that during about twenty-three years, he had 

disbursed upwards of fifteen thousand pounds.f The expen- 

• 

* This Mr. Boudinot resided for some time in Simsbury. He was jftcestor 
of the late Elias Boudinot, of New Jersey, who was a distinguished states- 
man, and the first superintendent of the United States Mint at Philadelphia. 

t This letter is addressed to John Humphry, Joseph Pettibone, and Samuel 
Pettibone, a committee of the proprietors, who had called upon him to settle 



116 



HISTORY OF GRANBY. 



ditures of the other companies are not known, but in the 
aggregate must have amounted to a large sum. 

After 1721, when a division of the mining lands took 
place among the lessees, eacfi company worked at separate 
mines, all situated upon Copper-lull, and (excepting Hig- 
ley's) within the compass of less than one mile. The works 
most improved, and where the greatest excavations were 
made, were subsequently purchased for a state prison. At 
this place, two perpendicular shafts were dug, chiefly through 
rocks, one extending to the depth of over seventy feet, and 
the other about thirty-five feet. From the bottom of these 
shafts caverns excavated for ore extend in various direc- 
tions, some four or five hundred feet, including "levels" 
or drains for discharging the water. Some parts of these 
excavations are now entirely filled with water. At Higley's 
mine, which lies about a mile and a half south of this, 
extensive old workings exist, though commenced at a later 
period than the others. Mr. Edmund Quincy, of Boston, 
had a company of miners working at this place at the break- 
ing out of the war of the revolution ; soon after which the 
works were abandoned. 

In 1731, a new company was formed, consisting of Adam 
Winthrop, George Cradock, James Bowdoin, Job Lewis, 
Joshua Winslow, Benjamin Pemberton and North Ingham, 
all of Boston, who took a lease by which a sixth pait of the 
mines was conveyed to them for the term of thirty years. 
This lease was signed by Samuel Humphry, Joseph Case, 
and Joseph Phelps, a committee in behalf of the town pro- 
prietors. It is not known to what extent, or how long, this 
company pursued the business. 

In addition to the persons already named as lessees, or 
otherwise interested in the mines, Jared Elliot of Killing- 
worth,* Jahleel Brenton of Rhode Island, Charles Cromme- 

for back rents. The original letter is in the possession of Dositheus Humphry 
Esq. a descendant of John Humphry Esq. 

♦ A clergyman and physician of great celebrity, who resided at Killing- 
worth. 



UISTORY OF GRANBY. 



117 



iin of New York, William Patriclge of Boston, and sundry 
other persons, were concerned at various times, and in differ- 
ent companies. 

Engineers and superintendents from Europe, some of 
them persons of distinction, and miners from Germany, 
were employed in these works. Among them were Major 
John Sydervelt, who remained in Simsbiiry until his death ; 
Caspar Hoofman, who died here March 21. 1732 ; and John 
Christian Miiller, a principal refiner, who married and died 
here.* 

Connected with these mines were works for smelting and 
refining. These were erected about the year 1721, upon 
Hop brook, in Simsbury,a few rods westerly of the upper or 
Tuller's mills, and consisted of sundry buildings, in addition 
to a mill for crashing or pounding the ore, and a furnace. 
The place was called Hanover ^ a name yet retained, which 
was given to it by the workmen who had emigrated from a 
place of the same name in Germany. A portion of the ore 
dug at the mines was smelted at these works, — but to what 
extent this business was prosecuted, or with what success, is 
not known. In 1725, when this property was attached, 
there was found and levied upon one thousand seven hun- 
dred pounds of black copper, so called, it is supposed, 
because it was not refined. This branch of the business, 
however, being prohibited by the laws of Great Britain, was 
carried on secretly, and consequently at great disadvantage ; 
and with the other embarrassments mentioned, relating to 
smelling, resulted in a probable loss. The Hanover works, 
of which but few indications now remain, were demolished 
many years since. The ore procured at the mines, which 
was not brought liere for smelting, was shipped to England, 
One cargo was taken by the French, and another, accord- 
ing to report, was smik in the English channel by ship- 
wreck. Other cargoes arrived m Europe, where the ore 
was smelted. 

* Hi^ wife was Hannah Weston, by whom he had two children before 1731. 
It is believed that after his death the name was changed to Miller, and that 
some of his descendants now live in Granby. 
11 



118 HISTORY OF GRANBY. 

In these mining- operations, but little comparatively was 
done after 1745, though at no time, it is believed, was the 
business wholly abandoned until 1778. In 1772, Captain 
James Holmes, an Englishman, then a resident of Salisbury, 
took a lease of the principal mine for twenty years, which 
he sold the next year to the state for a prison. 

A coin made fro n this ore, called " Higley's, Coppers," 
was at one time in some circulation in the vicinity of the 
mines. It is said to have passed for two and sixpence, 
(forty-two cents,) in paper currency it is presumed, though 
composed chiefly, if not entirely, of copper. 

One of these coins, dated 1737, is in the cabinet of the 
Connecticut Historical Society. Its inscription on one side 
is, "I am good copper;" — on the other, "Value me as 
you please." These coppers were much used for melting 
up with gold in the manufacture of jewelry, and for this 
purpose were considered vastly preferable to ordinary cop- 
per coin. They were not in circulation as a currency after 
the peace of 1783. The inventor and maker, is supposed 
to have been Doct. Samuel Higley who, a few years before 
this, had attempted to manufacture steel, and was somewhat 
distinguished for enterprises of this character. 

The Phoenix Mining Company, incorporated in 1830, 
having purchased tlie state prison property, consisting of 
about five acres of land, with sundry buildings enclosed by 
a stone wall, and having secured, by long leases, the right 
of mining upon large tracts of other lands lying in the 
vicinity, commenced mining operations in 1831, under the 
superintendency of Richard Bacon Esq. of Simsbury. Owing 
however to some unforeseen difficulties in the process of 
smelting and refining the ore, and other obstructions occa- 
sioned by the pecuniary embarrassments of the times, the 
works after a short time were discontinued. That tliey will 
be resumed at some future time under more favorable aus- 
pices, and with a fairer prospect of success, is confidently 
believed by those who are conversant with the business, and 
have devoted to these mines a critical examination. 

A gentleman who has been extensively engaged in this 



HISTORY OF GRANBY. 



119 



business in Europe, and who is said to be an experienced 
and scientific miner, speaking of these mines, says : — 

" The principal vein is large, and one which, in mining 
phraseology, would be termed a fiat lode, making with the 
horizon an angle of perhaps twenty-three degrees. Its 
matrix is a yellowish grey sandstone, nearly similar to the 
common sandstone of the neighborhood, but yet so percep- 
tibly differing from it, as to allow of its being traced at sur- 
face, for at least a mile, north and south, by its characteristic 
color and general appearance. In this matrix, copper is 
pretty generally disseminated, principally in nodules of rich 
brittle grey sulphuret, interspersed here and there with 
minute strings of common yellow pyrites. The lode ap- 
pears to be favorably disposed for yielding mineral and 
copper ore in particular." 

The ore, it is said, produces on an average, from ten to 
twelve per cent of copper, but some large specimens have 
been obtained, producing from thirty to forty per cent. It 
13 of the kind technically called " refractory," — a species 
that ordinarily resists the usual process of smelting. Other 
processes, however, have led to more successful results. 
By skill, enterprise and new experiments, all impediments 
of this nature will, it is believed be easily removed. 



CHAPTER X. 



Newgate Prison. Establishment. Destruction of Buildings by Fire. Escape of Con- 
victs. Confinement of Tories. Employment of Prisoners. Police Regulations. 
1773-1827. 

The General Assembly, at the May session, 1773, in view 
of establishing a state prison, appointed William Pitkin, 
Erastus Wolcott, and Jonathan Humphrey Esq'rs, a com- 
mittee " to view and explore the copper mines at Sims- 
bury, — their situation, nature and circumstances, and to 
examine and consider whether they may be beneficially 
applied to the purpose of confining, securing and profitably 
employing such criminals and delinquents as may be com- 
mitted to them, by any future law or laws of this Colony, 
in lieu of the infamous punishments in divers cases now 
appointed ; — and at what probable expense the said mines 
may be obtained for the purpose aforesaid ;" and make 
report to the then session of the Assembly. 

Upon their report that the mines were subject to an unex- 
pired lease of nineteen years, which could be purchased for 
about sixty pounds, and that by an expenditure of about 
thirty-seven pounds, the caverns could be so secured that it 
would be " next to impossible for any person to escape" 
from them; the same gentlemen were invested "with full 
power to agree with the proprietors of said mines, or the 
lessees thereof, to receive, keep and employ in said mines such 
criminals as may by law be sentenced to such punishment, 
or to purc/inse in the remaining term in said leases, for such 
purposes, and according to their best discretion effectually 
to secure said mines suitably to employ such persons as 
may be there confined by order of law." 

The committee reported at the next session, Oct. 1773, 



HISTORY OF GRANBY. 121 

that they had purchased the remaining term of Holmes' 
lease, being about nineteen years, for ^£60 — that by blasting 
rocks they had " prepared a well finished lodging room, 
about fifteen feet by twelve," in the caverns, — and had 
fixed over the west shaft a large iron door, which they " ap- 
prehend will be an effectual security for the confinement of 
persons that may be condemned there for employment." 
The whole expense, including the purchase money, amount- 
ed to three hundred and seventy dollars. The east shaft 
which extends perpendicularly about seventy feet, chiefly 
through a solid rock, was left open. There were no walls 
provided, nor were there any buildings upon the premises. 
At this session, an Act was passed " constituting the subter- 
raneous caverns and buildings in the copper mines in Sims- 
bury, a public gaol and workhouse for the use of the 
Colony ;" to which was given the name of Newgate Prison. 
The prisoners were to be employed in mining. The crimes, 
which by the Act subjected offenders to confinement and 
labor in the prison, were — burglary, horse stealing, and 
counterfeiting the public bills or coins, or making instru- 
ments or dies therefor. 

The first overseers of Newgate appointed, were Major 
Erastus Wolcott, Josiah Bissell and Jonathan Humphrey 
Esq'rs. Mr. John Viets,* who lived near the place, was 
appointed master, or keeper of the prison. Food for the 
prisoners was supplied by him. 

The first convict received into the prison was John Hin- 
son. He was committed Dec, 22, 1773, and escaped on the 
9th of January following, by being drawn up through the 
eastern shaft by a rope, assisted, it is said, by a woman, to 
whom he was paying his addresses. On the 26th of Feb- 
ruary, 1774, three prisoners were received ; — one of whom 
escaped on the 9th, and the other two on the 23d of the 
next April. One committed on the 5th of April, escaped on 
the 9th of the same month, having been in confinement 



* The ancestor of Mr. Viets was a German, and came to this country with 
a company of miners, to which he was attached as physician and surgeon. 
11* 



122 HISTORY OF GRANBY. 

four days. It is not known how these escapes were effected. 
Besides the east shaft wliich was left open, there were other 
parts of llie caverns which had not been properly secnred. 
None of these prisoners, it is nnderstood, were retaken. 
By this time, the overseers had probably changed their 
minds respecting the perfect security of (he prison. A nighl 
watch was employed during part of this time. 

Soon after the escape of Hinson, the General Assembly 
in January 1774, directed the overseers to cause the east 
shaft to be effectually secured with stone or iron, and to 
build a log block-house with two or three rooms, one of 
which was to be placed directly over the west shaft. These 
improvements were made during this year, but not until 
after the escape of the other prisoneis mentioned above. 

In the spring of 1775, three prisoners escaped, all of whom 
.were retaken. At the May session of this year, the Assem- 
bly ordered the overseers to make sale of the ore dug at the 
prison. There were at this time nine convicts in confine- 
ment, all of whom were engaged in excavating copper ore 
under the charge of two persons employed as miners. 

The block-house having been destroyed by fire in the 
spring of 1776, the Assembly, in May, ordered a new one 
to be constructed, and also a frame dwelling house, for the 
keeper of the prison, one story high, eighteen by thirty feet. 
This burning was by design, to favor the escape of the 
convicts, none of whom however escaped at this time. 

In 1777, the block-house was again burnt, and another 
one ordered to be built. All the prisoners were removed to 
the jail in Hartford for confinement. It is supposed that 
the prison Was not repaired, or nsed as such, until 1780. 
If it was repaired before that time, the buildings were again 
destroyed, for at the session of the Assembly in January 
1779, the prison being represented "to be in a ruinous con- 
dition," and " altogether insufficient to answer the salutary 
purposes for which it was prepared," the overseers were 
directed to erect new buildings, with " a block-house on the 
surface of the ground over the mouth of the cavern, suitable 
and convenient to secure and employ the prisonors in labor 



HISTORY OF GRANBY. 123 

in the day time ;" and when completed to appoint a keeper 
of the piison. 

The prison was completed in November 1780, and was 
supplied with a military guard consisting' of a lieutenant, 
one sergeant, one corporal and twenty- four privates. Up to 
this time, tlie prisoners had been employed in the mines, 
and been furnished with food by persons not connected with 
the prison. Now they were employed in mechanical ope- 
rations, and supplied with food prepared in the prison. 

The prison had been left entirely unprotected by any 
wall until 1781. In February of this year, the overseers 
were directed by the Assembly to construct, at a convenient 
distance around the prison and buildings, a piquet fence 
with small bastions at the corners for defense. A work of 
this kind was much needed, and notwithstanding the com- 
bustible material with which it was constructed, it tended 
very much to strengthen tlie prison. In other respects too, 
the prison was in a much better condition than at any pre- 
vious time. 

But, one of the most daring and successful attempts ever 
made at this prison to overcome the guard and throw open 
the prison doors, was made after this time, and when, as 
was supposed, a general escape of the convicts was imprac- 
ticable. On the I8th of May 1781, the prisoners, amount- 
ing to ttventy-eight persons, most of whom were tories, rose 
upon the guard, seized their arms, and made good their 
escape — carrying their captured arms with them. Every 
prisoner left. The design was so well planned and execu- 
ted, that but a small number of them were re-captured. 

It was supposed that one or more of the guard had been 
bribed to favor the escape of the prisoners. About ten 
o'clock at night on the ISth of May 1781, when all the 
guard but two had retired to rest, a wife of one of the pris- 
oners appeared, to w'hom permission was given to visit her 
husband in the caverns. Upon the hatches being opened 
to admit her passing down, the prisoners, who were at the 
door and prepared for the encounter, rushed up, seized the 
guns of the sentry on duty, who made little or no resistance, 



124 HISTORY OF GRANBY. 

and became masters of the guard room before those who 
were asleep could be aroused and prepared to make defense. 
One brave fellow, by name of Sheldon, who was an officer 
of the guard, fought valiantly, and was killed upon the spot, 
having been pierced by a bayonet through his body. A few 
others, belonging to the guard, received trifling injuries from 
clubs with which the assailants were armed. The guard 
was easily overcome. A few sought safety by flight, — but 
the greater number were disarmed by the prisoners and 
locked up in the caverns. The prisoners, having equipped 
themselves with the captured arms, escaped, and with few 
exceptions had the adroitness, or good luck, to avoid a 
re-capture. 

The General Assembly, then in session, appointed a com- 
mittee to investigate this matter, and ascertain the causes 
of the disaster. The committee after a critical examina- 
tion, reported the testimony taken by them ; — from which 
it appears that the discipline of the guard was defective — 
that their conduct at the time of the revolt was, with few 
exceptions, cowardly — and that at least one person, by the 
name of Lilly, was bribed and favored the escape of the 
prisoners. Lilly was afterwards prosecuted and convicted 
of this offence ; and the guard was so remodeled as to give 
greater security to the prison thereafter. 

On the 6th of November 1782, the prison buildings were 
once more destroyed by fire; but how, or by what means 
the fire was communicated, does not appear. No doubt, 
however, exists that tlie conflagration was by design, in 
order to facilitate the escape of the tories who were there in 
confinement. Duiing the progress of the fire, one Abel 
Davis, who was a sergeant of the guard, opened the hatches 
and suffered as many of the prisoners, as were so disposed, 
to escape from the prison. A large number of them did 
escape, most of wliom were re-captured in the neighbor- 
hood and secured. Davis, who seems to have been very 
illiterate, and altogether unfit for the station which he held, 
was convicted of the offence of aiding in the escape, and 
sentenced to a fine and imprisonment in the county jail. 



HISTORY OP GRANBY. 125 

The prisoners remaining after this conflagration, with 
those subsequently re-taken, were removed to the jail in 
Hartford. The prison was not repaired, nor used again 
until 1790. Indeed, it would seem that, at this time, the 
project of keeping up a prison at this place was abandoned 
altogether. No measures were taken to repair it, — on the 
contrary, in May 1784, all the property remaining at the 
prison and saved from the fire, consisting of iron, timber, clo- 
thing, &c. was ordered by the legislature to be sold, and the 
avails paid into the treasury. Little else but disaster had 
attended the prison from its establishment. More than one 
half of all the prisoners committed to it had escaped, and 
during the nine years of its continuance, the buildings con- 
nected with it had been destroyed by fire three times. In 
no respect had the prison been properly constructed or 
secured. The buildings were of wood, and so exposed as 
to be easily fired from without. Prison building in those 
days, as well as prison discipline, was not so well under- 
stood as at the present time. All the jails in the state were 
then constructed of wood. 

And yet this prison had a reputation abroad for great 
strength and security. Its fame had spread through the 
country far and wide. For a long time it was considered 
the strongest prison in the United States. In 1775, Gen. 
Washington sent to it some prisoners for safe custody, whom 
he deemed such "atrocious villains," as to require a stronger 
place for their confinement than could be found near his 
camp.* And, in 1781, Congress proposed to make these 

♦ Letter from Gen. Washington, to the Committee of Safety, Simsbury. 

Cambridge, December 11, 1775. 
Gentlemen ; — The prisoners which will be delivered you with this, hav- 
ing been tried by a court-martial, and deemed to be such flagrant and atro- 
cious villains that they cannot by any means be set at large or confined in any 
place near this camp, were sentenced to be sent to Symsbury in Connecticut. 
You will therefore be pleased to have them secured in your jail, or in such 
other manner as to you shall seem necessary, so that they cannot possibly 
make their escape. The charges of their imprisonment will be at the Con- 
tinental expense. 

I am &,c. 

George Washington. 



126 



HISTORY OF GRANBY. 



mines " a state prison for the reception of British prisoners 
of war, and for the purpose of retaliation ;" and asked from 
the Governor of this state a plan and estimates of expense. 
Governor Trumhull hud the matter before the General 
Assembly, who assented to the proposition, and requested 
him to finnish for Congress the plan and estimates required. 
What these were, do not appear, but the subject was drop- 
ped, probably for the reason that soon after this time a ter- 
mination of the war was anticipated. 

Mention has already been made of the confinement of 
tories in this prison. No person of this description was 
imprisoned here until 1780, when an Act was passed author- 
ising- the superior court to sentence to confinement in New- 
gate, such persons as should be convicted of certain specified 
crimes against the government not amounting to treason, 
but which consisted of certain overt acts deemed prejudicial 
to the cause of independenee. Courts Mai tial too, exercised 
the power of sentencing to this prison persons found guilty 
of similar offenses. The whole number of persons, called 
tories, imprisoned, did not, it is believed, exceed forty. At 
one time there were upwards of twenty in the prison, all of 
whom, as before stated, escaped on the 18th of May 1781. 
Among them were persons of some note and distinction. 
The leader of this rebellion was a Captain Peter Sackett, 
who had rendered himself notorious, as well as extremely 
obnoxious, by his adherence to the cause o the British 
government. 

A new Act, more perfect and specific in its details than 
the former one, was passed in 1790, constituting the caverns 
at these mines, with a small quantity of land over them, a 
state prison, denominated, as before, Newgate. The act 
provided for the appointment of three overseers, who were 
directed to cause a workshop and a dwelling house for the 
keeper to be erected, and to enclose them with a piquet wall 
or fence, — and to appoint a keeper, with a guard not exceed, 
ing ten persons, to manage and protect the prison. The 
expense of rebuilding it was limited to .£750. Persons con- 
victed of burglary, robbery, horse-stealing, counterfeiting, 



HISTORY OP GRANBY. 



127 



passing counterfeit money, knowing it to be such, and aid- 
ing in the escape of convicts from the prison, were to be 
confined at hard labor in this place for a term of yeais, or, 
in some cases, during the life of the culprit. Subsequently, 
for a few other crimes, the offender was subjected to impris' 
onmenthere. 

The Hon. John Treadwell, and Roger Newberry, and 
Pliny Hillyer Esq. were appointed the overseers. A large 
workshop and a dwelling house, both of brick, were con- 
structed, together with sundry other buildings of minor con- 
sequence. Under the west end of the dwelling house was 
a small room well secured by massive stone walls, from 
which led the only passage to the caverns beneath. This 
entrance was perforated through a solid rock, and contained 
a ladder by which passage to or from the caverns was made. 
The mouth of this entrance, as was also the one leading into 
this room from the guard-room above, was well secured 
by a trap door with lock and heavy bolts. A wooden fence, 
furnished with spikes on the top, enclosed these buildings 
with about half an acre of land for a yard. 

The prison was finished in October 1790, and Major Peter 
Curtiss was appointed the keeper, to whom with a guard of 
ten men was committed its management. 

From this time, the affairs of the piison assumed a new 
aspect. The prison was more securely built, and better 
managed tiian at any former period. Escapes from it were 
rare, and there were no instances of a general rebellion, or 
an entire clearing out of its inmates as formerly. 

The system of discipline and employment, as at first 
adopted, continued to be followed, with but slight varia- 
tions, until the removal of the convicts to the new state 
prison in 1827. As a general rule, the prisoners were lodged 
in the caverns. At day light, they weie taken up and 
removed to the work shop, where tbey remained until four 
o'clock P. M., when they were returned to the caverns. 
They took their meals in the work shop. These consisted 
of coarse food prepared in the prison, which was dealt out 
to them by rations. Nearly all of them wore fetters strongly 



128 



HISTORY OF GRANBY. 



rivetted to their ankles. The most refractory, and desperate 
of their number, were more heavily ironed. In general, 
when at work, they were chained at their respective blocks 
in the shop, and a portion of them were secured by an extra 
chain leading from a band around the neck to a beam in the 
hinli\] 'g. 

The punishment for misconduct, or offences committed 
in the prison, was whipping, short rations, extra ironing, 
and, in some specified cases designated by statute, an addi- 
tional term of imprisonment. Each prisoner had a fixed 
amount of work to perform each day. Those who did extra 
work had the benefit of it in an allowance on the bills of 
costs incurred in their prosecutions. 

At first, all the prisoners were employed in making 
wrought nails, the iron for which was procured at Canaan 
and Salisbury. This business was followed during the 
whole time of the continuance of the prison at this place, 
and was, for many years, the chief occupation of the con- 
victs. A few other branches of manufacture were carried 
on, though not extensively. After 1820, a large number 
of the convicts were employed in the manufacture of shoes, 
wagons and various other articles, by which a greater profit 
was derived than from the nail making business. Indeed, 
the manufacture of nails at this place had always been 
attended with loss to the state. 

In 1802, a substantial stone wall, twelve feet high, was 
built around the premises, having a gate which was never 
opened except by a sentinel under arms on duty. This 
wall was built by Colonel Calvin Barber of Simsbury. All 
the guards when on duty were underarms, and prepared at 
all times to use their weapons in any conflict or outl)reak 
that might happen. Tlieir number, at first ten, was subse- 
quently increased to seventeen. The government, as well 
as the duties of the guard, partook strongly of a military 
character. 

Additional buildings were sul)spquently erected. About 
1815, a two story building, nearly Hfly feet long, was put 
up in the south east corner of the yard. The lower story 



HISTORY OF GRANBY. 



129 



was appropriated for cells, and the upper one for a chapel 
in which divine service was thereafter usually held once on 
each Sunday. Adjoining this on the west, was another 
building of about the same length, the lower story of which 
was occupied for a cooper's shop, hospital and kitchen, and 
the upper story as a shoe maker's shop. In the northeast 
corner of the yard was another building used for making 
wagons. The cells above mentioned being weakly con- 
structed, were not much used. Still later, about 1824, a 
large edifice of stone and brick was built on the westerly 
side of the yard, which contained a tread mill, with the 
usual appurtenances for grinding grain, — a number of strong 
cells, — apartments for female convicts, — a kitchen, office, 
&c. This building was erected chiefly by convict labor. 
The tread mill, however, like all other similar ones, proved 
a failure^-the labor of working it being found too expensive 
for the state, and quite too cruel for the convicts. 

In the basement story of the guard-house, and near the 
entrance to the caverns, was a strongly built apartment 
about fifteen feet square, called the " jng." This room was 
used at first for the sick, and occasionally as a lodging room 
for that class of prisoners who were known to be well dispo- 
sed, and from whom no danger of attempting an escape was 
apprehended. The other prisoners were lodged in the cav- 
erns, where their beds consisted of two large platforms sup- 
plied with straw and a few blankets. The novice in crime, 
and the most hardened villain, were thus promiscuously 
huddled together without any restraint, or immediate over- 
sight by any of the guard during the night season. 

The number of criminals in confinement after 1800, varied 
from about forty-five to sixty, until 1821, when the number 
of offenses, punishable by confinen»ent in Newgate, was 
considerably increased by legislative enactments. This, 
with the increase of crime, and the change about this time 
of the law relating to the punishment of female convicts, 
by which they were subject( d to imprisonment here in the 
same manner as, for sinnlar offenses, the males were, caused 
a considerable addition to the number of prisoners. In 
12 



130 HISTORY OF GRANBY. 

1827, when they were removed to the new prison at Weth- 
ersfickl, they amounted to one hundred and twenty-seven. 

The prison was never able to support itself from tlie avails 
of convict labor. The deficiency, which was paid from the 
state treasury, varied from five thousand to over thirteen 
thousand dollars per annum. It would average about 
seven thousand dolkus a year, including outlays for new 
buildings. 

The state having provided a new prison at "Wethersfield, 
all the prisoners were removed so as to commence operations 
there on the first of October 1827. The old prison, with its 
buildings and some five acres of land, were sold in 1830, to 
thePhrenix JVlining Company, for twelve hu'idred dollars. 

This phice was greatly resorted to by visitors, and espe- 
cially so during the winter months, when there was sleigh- 
ing.* Many of them descended into the caverns, and all 
had an opportunit}^ to inspect generally the discipline and 
the labor-system of the prison. To those unaccustomed 
to the scene, a visit to tbe nail-shop presented a view 
extremely revolting, and to some even terrific. Here might 
be seen some fifty men, black and white, and so besmeared 
as to be hardly distinguishable, chained to their blocks, 
busily engaged in a noisy employment, and closely watched 
and guarded by a file of men under arms. Add to this, the 
appearance of the room with its inmates and implements, 
as viewed by strong lights proceeding from the various fur- 
naces, and t!ie continual clatter of hammers used in forging 
nails, — and some idea of the scene, though necessarily an 
hnperfect one, may be imagined. 

Besides the revolt under Capt. Sackett, which has already 
been mentioned, and which was so successfully carried out, 
there have been several escapes, and attempts to break the 
prison ; a few of which are worthy of notice. 

Shortly before 1800, a number of prisoners made (heir 
escape by opening one of the shafts which had been filled 

• In a report made by the overseers in 1810, it is stated that the number of 
visitors to the prison would average four hundred and fifty monthly. 



HISTORY OF GRANBY. 131 

up and, as was supposed, well secured by stones strongly 
bolted together. It was a work of great labor, and must 
have been a long while in progress. 

In 1802, when the keeper and nearly all the officers and 
guard were sick and off duty, the prisoners, at the time of 
being returned to the caverns, rose upon the small remnant 
of guard able to be on duty, and attempted to escape. By 
the prompt action and indomitable courage of Mr. Dan 
Forward, a private, and who was indued with great mus- 
cular strength, the prisoners Avere subdued and safely secured 
under t!ie hatches. It is supposed that this revolt was ill 
matured, or not generally known, for it did not commence 
until a large portion of the convicts had descended into the 
caverns. Had it been well managed, it would, probably, 
have succeeded, as the guard was too weak to quell a*gen- 
eral rebellion on an occasion like this. 

There was another rebellion in 1806. Nearly all the 
convicts employed in the nail shop had been supplied with 
pewter keys, with whicli to unlock their fastenings, manu- 
factured by some very skillful mechanics then in prison. 
At a given signal, the convicts were to unlock the chains 
which confined them to their stations, and make a concerted 
attack upon the guard. The signal was given — the men 
released themselves — and two of them commenced the 
attack by siezing the officer on duty so suddenly as to disable 
him from using his weapons in defense. A short scufHe 
ensued, during which one of the guard, not on duty in that 
shop, ran to the place and shot one of the ring leaders, a 
negro, dead upon the spot. This event so disheartened the 
rest that they inniiediately returned to their places and sued 
for mercy. 

In the spring of 1822, nearly all the prisoners, then 
amounting to over one hundred, concerted a plan to over- 
power the guard and effijct their escape. The time selected 
for the attempt was during the temporary absence of the 
keeper and three of the guard; — the foice remaining on 
duty being fourteen persons. Their plan was to have a 
general rising in all the shops at a given signal. The sig- 



132 HISTORY OF GRANBY. 

nal was g^ivi'ii in the nail sliop, wlien the attack commenced. 
One of the g-naid was knocked down and his arms taken 
from him, and another was seized and mastered. During 
the scuffle which ensued, a reinforcement arrived upon the 
ground. Two of the insurgents were shot at and wounded, 
though not mortally, which terminated the aflfiay. There 
was no outbreak in the other shops — probably the signal 
was not heard. 

On the night precedmg the removal of the prisoners to 
the new prison in Wethersfield, one of the convicts, by the 
name of Starkey, was killed in attempting to make his 
escape. The shaft, used for a well, communicated with one 
of the caverns about seventy feet below the surface of the 
earth. The top of this shaft was well, secured by a hatch, 
which it was intended should be always fastened down in 
the night season. On this evening, the well was left open, 
and, as appearances would indicate, by design. Starkey 
attempted to ascend by climbing the rope used for drawing 
water. In making the ascent, the rope broke, by which 
he was precipitated to the bottom, where he was found 
dead. 

The convicts, while at this prison, generally enjoyed 
good health. With but a single exception, which was 
readil)' accounted for by local causes, no contagious disease 
had ever occurred here. The caverns, as a lodging place, 
were generally deemed conducive to health. Those afflicted 
with cutaneous diseases were often cured. The temptnature 
was uniform at all seasons of the year, being, as indicated 
by the thermometer, at about fifty-two degrees. 

The inmates of this prison formed a motley group. 
Amongst them might be found rogues of high celebrity — 
the most hardened and reckless — the cunning and adroit — 
and often mechanics and artizans gifted with ingenuity and 
skill of a high order. Persons well educated, with a large 
class of the most illiterate and degraded — negroes and 
whites — young and old— were all to be found here as com- 
mon associates, and generally as bed-fellows. 

Some of the prisoners obtained a high reputation for their 



HISTORY OF GRAN BY. 133 

roguery. One, by the name of Newman, published un ac- 
count of his long career in crime and prison-breaking which, 
if i7'ue, would entitle hira to the highest rank among vil- 
lains. He was, at times, quite successful in playing off his 
deceptions. While in Ihis prison, before his pranks were 
discovered, he avoided labor by feigning sickness. He could 
at any lime raise blood, which his attendants supposed pro- 
ceeded from his lungs. By feigning other symptoms of a 
pulmonary decline, he had strongly enlisted the sympathy 
of the guard, and was exempted from labor. His object 
was to avert the vigilance of his keepers, and thereby effect 
his escape. Being foiled in this, he proceeded still further 
and feigned fits. He contrived to manage these tricks so 
well, that it was some titiie before the deception was dis- 
covered. Succeeding in none of his deceptions ^practices, 
he was, after all his trouble, compelled to serve out the 
term of his imprisonment. In another prison, by counter- 
feiting death, he came very near effecting his escape; — at 
least it is so stated in his memoir. 

Another convict, by name Parker, after his release from 
prison, had extraordinary success in deceiving the weak- 
minded, by assuming the name and identity of persons who, 
by long absence from their friends, were supposed to be 
dead. He passed, for some time, as the long lost son of an 
aged pair; and, at another time, imposed himself upon a 
woman as her husband, who had been absent many years. 
He also at times pretended to be a clergyman, and had 
some success in this branch of his .deceptive career. 

A prisoner by the name of Corson, after his discharge, in 
1826, published an account of his exploits, from which, it 
would appear, that his character for villainy was well earned, 
and correctly bestowed, — and that (he safety of the public 
required ix permanent abode for him in some strong prison. 

But, one of the most desperate and dangerous of the gang 
was a convict of the name of Sloan, who, in 1821, was sen- 
tenced for a long term of years for passing counterfeit mone}', 
a large amount of which was also found in his possession. 
While in Hartford jail, before his commitment to Newgate, 
12* 



134 HISTORY OF GRANBY. 

he nearly effected his escape by a bold and daring- plot. 
Indued with extraordinary muscular power — and being 
reckless and courageous, yet cool and circumspect — he 
became one of the most dangerous and troublesome prison- 
ers at Newgate. He was the leader in all insurrections, and 
was kept in subjection only by loading him heavily with 
irons. In attempting to make his escape, he struck down 
one of the guard, injuring him severely, for which outrage 
he was subjected to an additional term of imprisonment. 

The annals of Newgate furnish many incidents of an 
interesting character. Some of them, depending on tradi- 
tion, are so intermixed with fiction as to become nearly val- 
ueless, and will soon pass into oblivion. A larger portion, 
resting on better authority, remain, and furnish a mass of 
information worthy of preservation. 

As a place for criminals, this prison never fully answered 
the purposes intended by the government. The guilty 
were indeed punished — but rarely ever refor?7ied. The free 
intercourse among all classes of offenders, allowed during 
the night season, was well calculated to make all adepts in 
roguery, and better fitted than ever for a new career in crime, 
when, at the termination of imprisonment, they should again 
mix with the world. No system, aiming at the reformation 
of an offender, could be worse than this. Under such a 
schooling, reformation could hardly be expected ; — it cer- 
tainly was never realized to any considerable extent. Few, 
if any, left the prison better men, or more favorably dispo- 
sed to regard the rights of society, or obey its laws. As a 
general rule, the convicts left the prison more hardened, 
and more disposed than ever to engage in new criminal 
enterprises, and with a better knowledge of the manner both 
of committing offenses, and evading detection. 

The state having erected a new prison at Wethersfield, 
which was completed in September 1827, all the prisoners 
remaining were removed from Newgate to this prison on the 
30th of that month ; — a few of them having previously been 
taken out to work on the new prison. 

The persons appointed overseers of the prison, from its 



HISTORY OP GRANBY. 135 

first establishment, were, — Erastus Wolcott, Josiah Bissell, 
Jonathan Humphry, Asahel Holcomb, James Forward, 
Matthew Griswold, Roger Newbury, John Treadwell, Pliny 
Hillyer, Samuel Woodruff, Martin Sheldon, Reuben Barker, 
Jonathan Pettibone Jr. and Thomas K. Brace. 

Keepers: — John Viets,* Peter Curtiss, Major Reuben 
Humphreys, Col. Thoriias Sheldon, Salmon Clark, Charles 
Washburn, Elam Tulter, Alexander H. Griswold and 
Andrew Denison. 



* Mr. Viets, who was appointed by the General Assembly, resigned in 
1776. From this time, until 17S2, the office was held by a number of per- 
sons, — the keeper being the chief officer of the guard for the time being. 
Under the new act of 1790, the keepers were appointed by the overseers. 
Mr. Curtiss was the first one appointed after this time. 



CHAPTER XI. 

CANTON. 

Settlement. Civil and Ecclesiastical History. 1737—1845. 

The western part of Simsbury, now incorporated into a 
distinct township by the name of Canton, was formerly 
called West Simsbury, and was settled by one or two fam- 
ilies as early as 1737, and within a few years thereafter by 
more than twenty other families, all of which, with two 
exceptions, emigrated from the old town. They located 
themselves in the valley bordering on Cherry's brook, — on 
the hill, or mountain, easterly of this valley, — and at Suf- 
frage. It is supposed that the ecclesiastical quarrel which, 
at this period, raged with so much acrimony in the old par- 
ish, as before narrated, had some, if not a preponderating 
influence in promoting the growth of this settlement at its 
commencement. At this time, the large tracts of land lying 
between Weatauge and Hop meadow, on the east, and 
West Simsbury were, with few exceptions, uninhabited and 
unimproved. 

The following historical sketches of the first settlers, and 
of their respective families, have been obligingly furnished 
by Ephraim Mils Esq. of Canton ; to whom the author is 
also indebted for other statistical information embraced in 
this history of that town. 

" Richard Case, removed from the old parish to West Sims- 
bury in 1737, and is supposed to have been the first setler, and to 
have erected the first dwelling house in this portion of the town. 
His son, Sylvanus, has ever been reputed to be the first Enghsh 
child born within the limits of West Simsbury. He had twelve 
children, ten sons and two daughters. He resided on the East 
Hill — the building site is still to be seen opposite the house after- 



HISTORY OF CANTON. 



137 



wards erected by him, and which is still standing, and is supposed 
to be the oldest building in Canton, having been erected in 1747, 

His descendants are numerous in Canton, Granby and Bark- 
hamsted. 

There were four brothers of the Barber family, who removed 
from the old parish in 1738, (viz.) Samuel, T/ivma.- Jonathan and 

John all of whom purchased and settled on land contiguous to 

each other, within the limits of the Center school district of 
Canton. 

Dr. Samuel Barber had fourteen children, eleven sons and 
three daughters, a 1 of whom lived to adult years. He resided on 
the premises now occupied by his grandson Volney G. Barber, 
and died January, 1797, aged eighty-three. There are some of 
his descendants residing in Canton. 

Serjeant Thomas Barber had ten children, five sons and five 
daughters, all of whom lived to adult years, and nine of them left 
children. He died in 1792. He resided in the house lately occu- 
pied by Hosea Case, deceased. Some of his descendants still 
reside in Canton. 

Jonathan Barber had three children, two sons and one daugh- 
ter : he died in early life, 1745, at the siege and capture of Louis- 
burg. He resided on land now owned by Gardner Mills, a little 
south of the house of George L. Barber. His descendants have 
become extinct in Canton. 

John Barber had six children, five sons and one daughter. He 
died 1797, aged seventy-seven years. His son Reuben died 1825, 
and was the first person interred in the new center burying ground. 
He resided in the house now occupied by Treat Lambert. 

Deacon Abraham Case had seven children, two sons and five 
daughters. He removed from the old parish to West Simsbury 
about 1740, and died in 1800. He resided on the East Hill, on the 
premises lately owned by his grandson, Lyman Case, deceased. 
But few of his descendants reside in Canton. He was upwards of 
eighty years of age. 

Amos Case, brother of Abraham, had nine children, five sons 
and four daughters, all of whom lived to adult years. He died, 
1798, aged eighty-six years. He resided on the East Hill, in the 
house now occupied by the heirs of Abel Case Jun. He emigra- 
ted from the old parish to West Simsbury about the year 1740. 

Benjamin Dyer, a schoolmate of Dr. Franklin, removed from 
the city of Boston to West Simsbury about the year 1741 . He had 
seven children, five sons and two daughters. He resided in the 
house now occupied by Luther Higley Esq. in the south part of 
Canton. Several of his descendants still reside in Canton. 



138 HISTORY OF CANTON. 

Samuel Humphry remov^ed from the old society to West Sims- 
bury, about the year 1741. Ha had six children, three sons and 
three daughters, who lived to adult years, and who were married 
and left children. He resided in Suffrage, East school district, 
near the house of Oliver Humphry Esq. 

Joseph Mills, at the age of thirty., married Hannah Adams., 
^^ged Jiftctn years, and emigrated from Meadow plain in Simsbury, 
to West Simsbury, in 1742 or 43. He had fourteen children, ten 
sons and four daughters — all of vjhom he lived to see connected in 
life, and have children- He died April 1783, aged eighty-nine. 
He resided on the premises now occupied by the Re.'. Jairus Burt. 
His descendants are numerous ; a considerable number reside in 
Canton. The ancestors of the Mills family emigrated from York- 
shire, England, in the early settlement of this country. 

Ezra Willcox removed about the year 1740 from the old society 
to West Simsbury. He had nine children, five sons and four 
daughters. He resided on the west side of the river, opposite the 
mouth of Cherry's brook. 

Dudley Case was a native of the old parish, and brother of 
Daniel, Zacheus, and Ezekiel. He settled in West Simsbury in 
1742, and resided in the building now occupied as a public house 
by Abram Hosford. He had seven children, six of whom left 
children. He died in 1792. 

Oliver Humphrey Esq. the first magistrate in West Simsbury, 
was a native of the old parish, and settled in West Simsbury about 
1742. He had eleven children M'ho lived to adult years, eight of 
whom had children. He resided in the house lately occupied by 
William Stone Esq. and died 1792. His widow died 1821, aged 
ninety-eight years. 

Nathaniel Alford was from the old parish, and settled in West 
Simsbury 1742. He had six children, one son and five daughters, 
all of whom connected in life, and left children. He resided on the 
East Hill, on land now owned by Titus Case, and known by the 
name of the missionary lot. Time of his decease not known. 

Lieut. David Adams rerrioved to West Simsbury from the old 

parish, about the year 1743 ; had nine children, four sons and five 

daughters, two of whom died in youth, and seven formed connec- 
tions in life and left children. He resided in the second house now 
standing north of the north burying ground, west side of the high- 
way. He died ISOl, age not particularly known, but must have 
been upwards of eighty. 

Serjeant Daniel Case removed from the old parish to West 
Simsbury, 1743 ; — had nine children, four sons and five daughters, 
six of whom had children. He resided on the site where the 
dwelling house of Calvin Case now stands, near the center church 
in Canlon. He erected the first grist mill in West Simsbury, and 



HISTORY OF CANTON. 139 

died 1801, aged eighty-one years_his widow died 1807, ased 
eighty-two. ,. ^ 

Capt. EzEKiEL Humphry removed from the old parish to West 
Smisbury about the year 1744 ;_had ten children, five sons and 
five daughters, who formed connections, and nine left children. 
He resided on the place where the dwelling house of Dr. Kasson 
now stands, on what is commonly called the parsonage lot, Suf- 
frage school district. He died 1795, supposed to be eighty or 
upwards. * '^ 

Capt. JosiAH Case removed from Terry's plain, Simsbury, to 
West Simsbury, about the year 1743. He had six children, two 
sons and four daughters. He resided on the premises now occupied 
by his grandson. Gen. Jarvis Case. He died 1789, age not known. 
His^wife died 1807, aged eighty-eight. He had five children who 
ieit descendants. 

Isaac Messenger removed from Simsbury, or within the limits 
of the present town of Granby, to West Simsbury, about 1743 or 
1744. He had thirteen children, ten sons and three daughters, all 
of whom formed connections and left children. He resided in the 
north part of the Center school district, on land now occupied by 
his grandson, Newell Messenger. He died 1801, aged ei<rhtv- 
two years. * *^ 

Ensign Isaac Tuller removed from the old parish, Simsbury, 
to West Simsbury, 1744 or 5. He had eleven children, three sons 
and eight daughters ; ten of whom connected in life and had chil- 
dren. He resided on the premises lately occupied by his son, 
Ruius, one mile south of the center church. He died in 1806, 
aged eighty-six. He was the third son of Sarah Woodford, who 
deceased, 1797, aged one hundred years. 

Capt. Zacheus Case removed from the old parish to West 
Simsbury about the year 1749 ;— had seven children, one son and 
SIX daughters, all of whom married and had children. He remo- 
ld to Whitestown, State of New York, 1792, and died 1812. 
He resided in the house now occupied by Ephraim Mills. 

Deacon Hosea Case was a native of Simsbury, and removed 
to West Simsbury 1752. He had eleven children, four sons and 
seven daughters, nine of whom had children. He resided on the 
hill, half a mile east of Isaac Tuller's. He died 1793. Several of 
his descendants reside in Canton. 

^^P^-. John Foot removed from Duncaster, Simsbury, 1753, to 
West Simsbury. He had six children, two sons and four daugh- 
ters, all of whom had children. He resided at the intersection of 
the roads, two miles north of the center church. He died 1812, 
aged eighty-two years. 



140 HISTORY OF CANTON. 

'^ Capt. John Brown removed from Windsor to West Simsbury, 
1756. He had eleven children, four sons and seven daughters, all 
of w^hom were connected in life and had children. He died in 
early life, 1776, at New York, in the revolutionary service. He 
■was of the fourth generation in direct descent from Peter Brown, 
one of the pilgrim fathers, who landed at Plymouth from the May- 
flower, December 22d, 1620. His widow died 1831, aged ninety- 
two years. He resided in the house now occupied by his son, 
Abiel Brown Esq. in the center school district. 

Solomon Humphry, brother of Oliver Humphry Esq. w^as a 
native of the old parish, and removed to West Simsbury, about 
1755. He had five children, three sons and two daughters, four 
of whom had children. He resided east of the mountain, border- 
ing on the old parish. 

These twenty-five families had two hundred and eighteen chil- 
dren one hundred and fifteen males and one hundred and three 

femal'^s ; averaging nearly nine to a family. The number in each 
family who settled in life, and had children, averaged nearly 
eight persons ; — thus showing our ancestors to have been more 
prolific than the people of the present day. Joseph Mills^ Richard 
Case, Samuel Barber, and Isaac Messenger, who resided not a 
great distance from each other, had forty sons ; thirty-nine of 
whom lived to manhood- 

The first person buried in the old south burying ground, was 
Tryphene Barber, wife of Samuel Barber. Her monument bears 
date 1752, being the oldest monumental stone in Canton. Pre- 
vious to this time, it is supposed the dead were carried to the old 
parish for interment. 

Francis Bacon, aged eighty-four years, is believed to be the old- 
est person now residing in Canton. 

Several years previous to the settlement of West Simsbury, the 
inhabitants of the old parish were in the habit of coming out to 
cultivate corn, on a rich alluvial bottom, (since swept away by 
floods,) called the Hopijard, situated on the river at the mouth of 
Cherry's brook. They built a shelter in the side hill, near the 
place now occupied as the old south burying ground ; some of the 
stones of the chimney still remain. While hoeing corn, they were 
accompanied by their boys with guns at their sides, as a protection 
against the assaults of Indians." 

It is to be regretted that the ages of all these patriarchs 
could not have been given. Enough, however, has been 
furnished, in respect to longevity, (o show that the people 
of the present age do not, as a general rule, reach that 
period of existence enjoyed by their ancestors. 

Another remarkable fact disclosed by these sketches is 



HISTORY OF CANTON. 141 

that nearly all of these first settlers had large families — two 
of them, fourteen children each, and eight of the ethers, ten 
or more each. But the most striking fact is, tiiat so large a 
proportion of the children should have lived to become heads 
of families and themselves parents — averaging, as before 
stated, nearly eight persons to each original family ! 

These results, so far as I am acquainted, are unparalleled, 
(at least out of Ireland,) in the history of population. And 
they readily account for the extraordinary fact (hat so small 
a section of the town should, within the short space of thir- 
teen years, become populous enough to authorise the estab- 
lishment of a new ecclesiastical society. 

About the year 1741, the people of West Simsbury began 
to hold religious meetings on the Sabbath, separate from the 
old parish, in private houses. From 1747, to 1749, or 50, 
two preachers. Rev. Adonijah Bidwell, and Rev. Timothy 
Pitkin, were employed to preach, each for a short time. 
This section of the town was constituted a distinct parish by 
act of Assembly, May, 1750.* The Congregational church 
was organized, it is supposed, about the same time. The 
same year, 1750, Rev. Evander Morrison, who was from 
Scotland, and had been ordained in his native country as an 
evangelist, was installed first pastor of the church. For 
some cause Mr. Morrison was dismissed from his people, 
about eleven months after his installation. The next pastor 
was Rev. Gideon Mills, who had been previously settled in 
the old parish. He was installed 1759, and continued pas- 
tor of the church thirteen years. The third pastor was Rev. 
Scth Sage, installed 1774, and dismissed 1778. Rev. Jer- 
emiah Haliock was the fourth pastor of the church. He 
was ordained Oct. 26, 1785, an i continued pastor till his 

* The society was bounded, " east on the eastermost ledge of the west 
mountain,'" — south on Farmington, — west on New Hartford, the line " to 
run northerly on the line dividing between the towns of Simsbury and New 
Hartford seven miles," and thence " east, south-east to the aforesaid east 
ledge of the west mountain." In May 1702, the inhabitants living "at the 
east tier of lots on the east side of the river in the town of New Hartford, and 
adjoining Simsbury," were annexed to this society. 

13 



142 



HISTORY OF CANTON. 



death, in June 1826, a period of about forty-one years. 
Rev. Jairns Burt, the present pastor, was ordained Decem- 
ber 20, 1826.* 

The first meeting-house was built in 1763, and was occu- 
pied by the society fifty-one years — liaving been taken down 
in 1814. It stood in the valley of Cherry's brook, and near 
the center of the society. 

A new house, erected upon the same spot, was dedicated 
January 5, 1815. An interesting sermon, preached on the 
occasion, by the Rev. Mr. Hallock, is in print. The build- 
ing which is fifty-six by forty-eight feet, surmounted with a 
steeple, is neat in appearance, and well constructed. It is 
of that class which tends so much to adorn and beautify our 
New England villages. 

A meeting-house was built in tlie north part of the town 
about sixty years ago, by an independent association, or 
society, who applied to the General Assembly for parish 
j)rivileges. But the society was nevei incorporated, nor 
was it ever recognized bylaw as a legally constituted body. 
During many years, the Rev. Mr. Sage, who had been dis- 
missed from the pastoral charge of the other society, officia- 
ted as the pastor. After his death, religious services ceased 
pretty much, and within about three years past the house 
itself lias been taken down. 

In 1783, a number of persons in the south part of West 
Simsbury, seceded from the Congregational society, and 
formed a church under the name of Separatists ; — of which 
church the Rev, James Bacon was the next year ordained 
pastor, and remained as such about two years. In 1785, a 
schism took place in the church and society, which resulted 
in the secession of about one half of the congregation, who 
embraced the tenets of the Baptist denomination. But it 
does not appear that they had regular meetings, or stated 
preaching among them until 1802, when elder Jared Mills 
commenced preaching, and was ordained in 1808. 

* Communicated by Rev. Mr. Burt. 



HISTORY OF CANTON. 143 

The Baptist meeting-house was first erected in 1807, on 
the green, in the viUage of Suffrage ; — in 1838, it was remo- 
ved to its present site, when it was enlarged and otiierwise 
improved, so as to malce it a pleasant and commodious house 
for worship. 

The Rev. Jared Mills resigned his pastoral charge in 
1817, and was succeeded hy Rev. Pierpont Brockett, who 
was ordained in 1819. In 1824, Rev. Stephen S. Nelson 
was ordained, and was succeeded by Rev. Isaac Kimball in 
1825. The present incumbent, Rev. George B. Atwell, was 
ordained in 1837. 

A meeting-house for a new Congregational society was 
erected at Collinsville in 1836. It is a handsome, well con- 
structed edifice, and beautifully situated near the center of 
the village. The church was formed, and the society legally 
constituted, in 1830. Rev. Horatio N. Brinsmade, and Rev. 
C. C. Vanarsdalen, officiated as preachers for several years, 
but neither of them was ordained over the parish. In 1839, 
Rev. Frederick A. Barton was ordained here as an evangel- 
ist, and continued as officiating minister until 1843- The 
present clergyman, Rev. Charles McLean, was ordained 
in 1843. 

The flourishing village of Collinsville is situated on 
both sides of the Farmington river, in the southwest part of 
the town. It owes its " rise and progress" to an establish- 
ment for the manufacture of axes, commenced here upon a 
large scale in 1826, by Messrs. Samuel W. Collins, and 
David C. Collins, who have had charge of the business ever 
since. Nature and art combine to give the place an exten- 
sive water power, which is so improved that the manufac- 
ture of the article is carried on here to a greater extent than 
at any other establishment in the United States, or, as is 
believed, in the world. 

The present company was incorporated in 1834, by the 
name of " The Collins Manufaclurin^ Company,''^ with a 
capital of three hundred thousand dollars, " for the purpose 
of manufacturing edge tools in tlie most advantageous man- 
ner." About one hundred and seventy-five workmen are 



144 



HISTORY OF CANTON. 



at present employed, who manufacture daily from eight to 
ten hundred axes, all finished in the most perfect style of 
workmanship. The perfection of the machinery, aided by 
the important inventions for tfie saving of labor which have 
been made here, — the rapidity with which the article is 
manufactured, the perfection of its workmanship, and the 
magnitude of the operations, are such as to place this estab- 
lishment hig-Ji in the rank of manufactories, and far beyond 
the reach of ordinary competition. At first, some " edge 
tools," other than axes were made, but for many years past 
the company have confined their business to the manufac- 
ture of axes of all kinds, including hatchets, though the 
common woodman's ax is the one which is chiefly made. 

The village, in addition to the church already mentioned, 
contains two school houses, built at the expense of the com- 
pany ; a commodious hall and building where the business 
affairs of the company are transacted ; one public house ; 
three stores ; a post office ; public market ; twenty dwelling 
houses ; and forty-five double tenements for the accommo- 
dation of the workmen ; — the whole tastefully built, and so 
arranged as to make a conspicuous and beautiful appear- 
ance. A bridge, crossing the river at this place, connects 
the two sections of the village. 

Canton was incorporated by the General Assembly at the 
May session 1806. The limits of the town were fixed by 
the same lines as those that bounded the society of West 
Simsbury. Within a few years past however, a small sec- 
tion forming that partof CoUinsville which lies on the west- 
ern side of the river, was taken from Burlington and annexed 
to Canton. The dimensions of the town are about eight 
miles from north to south, and about four miles from east to 
west. The surface of the ground in general is hilly, and in 
soiiie places mountainous, but in a considerable portion of 
the town, especially in the southern part, and along the 
valley of Cherry's brook, there are lands of a good qualit}'. 
The general appearance of the town indicates that industry, 
thrift and comfort prevail among its inhabitants. 



HISTORY OF CANTON. 145 

The first town clerk was James Humphrey Esq. appointed 
in 1806, who held the office until his death in 1829. In 
1838, the building in which the records were kept, was con- 
sumed by fire, and with it all the records of the town. The 
town which previously had belonged to the Probate district 
of Simsbury was, in 1841, constituted a district by itself. 

There are in the town eleven school districts ; and in each 
of the villages of North Canton, Canton Center, Suffrage, 
and Collinsville, there is a select school in which the higher 
branches of education are taught during the winter season. 
In each of these villages there is also a post-office. 

The number of inhabitants in 1810 was 1,374;— 1820, 
1,322 ;— 1830, 1,437 ; and in 1840, 1,736. 

For lists of Judges of Probate, Representatives, Justices 
of the Peace, and Town Clerks, see Appendix, F. G. H. 
and I. 

13* 



APPENDIX. 



Appendix A. 

INDIAN DEEDS. 

''' These present writing shows that we Pacatoco and Pamotacount and 
Youngcowet, Indians and owners of Massaco, Friends to him that burnt John 
GritRn's picth and tarre— We doe hereby declare our unability to make satis- 
faction for the said losses any way but by the giving up our right m the land 
at Massaco unto the said John Gritfin ; and in regard the said offender being 
resigned and delivered up now to us, and fully acquitted for all his miscar- 
riag to the said John Gritfin. Wee the aforesaid Indians do hereby promise 
to come, at any time or times to Coart or Coarts to passe over all our rights 
in all our lands at Massaco, onlv the named Indians do reserve two acres ot 
land and will themselves fence it in, and maintaine it;— And what writing 
John Griffin shall cause to be made, all we the aforesaid Indians do promiss 
to confirm it by our hand and sealls freely set thereto, as we have c^me to 
this present writting, this 2Slh June 1G4S. 

Witness hereunto. The sign of Pacatoco,* 

John Moses, The sign of Pamatacount, 

George Abbet. The sign of Youngcoout." 

" This is to testifyeth that I, John Griffin, this present December 23, 'Gl, 
do fully and freely resign over this deede within specified unto the committee 
appoynted for to dispose the lands at Massaco for the use and benefit of yc 
plantation of Windsor, as witness my hand the day and yeare above written. 

John Griffin." 

Teste, Daniel Clark, 
Walter Ffyler, 
Josias Hull. ■ 
"November 3, 1674. The towne of Simsbury having appoynted a com- 
mittee to receive their north bounds of their town of Youngcowit,t the said 
Committee grants to said Youngcowit liberty, and Wesunket, Allehowe, 
Mathegg, Aramarnett, and too more of their Relations, to hunt for Venison 
within't'hese Lymitts during their life time, which was don upon the request 
of the said Youngcowit. Witness our hands. 

John Griffin, 
Peter Buell, 
Samuel Wilcoxson." 

" On the same day the Indian went out with John Griffin to designate the 
north bounds of the town, which was at a pine tree at the northern end ol a 
pond called Mallakakess"— presumed to be Southwick pond. 

* These signs or marks are omitted, tlicre being no type to represent tliem. 
t Younket. 



148 APPENDIX. 

Indian Deed. — Simsbury, 1G80. 

" Whereas, our predecessor Mannahanoose did for a long time since devise 
and wittingly kindle a fire that consumed the estate of Sergeant John Griffin, 
and made over all his right and interest of land at Massacoe unto the said 
John Griffin i'ur due recompence of the damage done ; — and whereas our pred- 
ecessors Younket and Pamotaquant by a deed of sale made over and sold 
another parcel of land adjoining to the aforesaid Massacoe and being within 
the bounds of the township of Massacoe, alias Simsbury, which they our 
predecessors made sale of to some of the inhabitants of Massacoe, alias Sims- 
bury ; — and whereas we Nessehegen, Seacett and Totoe, Gentlemen, with 
Aups, Manconump, Nenepaush Sciua, Wishewonoes wife and Mamantoes 
Squa, had common right of those the aforesaid lands so sold and disposed by 
our predecessors and also having right to some lands taken into and being sit- 
uate within- the boundaries stated by the General Court' of Connecticut as be- 
longing to the township of Massacoe, alias Simsbury, for avoiding all differ- 
ences that may liereafter arise or happen to be between us the aforesaid 
Neseliegan, Seakot, Totoe, Aupes, Manconump, Nenapaush Squa, Wishowo- 
noes wife, and Mamantoes Squa, and our heirs, and the inhabitants or propri- 
etors of Massacoe, alias Simsbury, and tlieir heirs or assigns, have granted 
and made this Indenture, this twenty-sixth of March, in the year one thou- 
sand six hundred and eighty, between Neschegen, Seakett and Totoe, Gentle- 
men, with Aupes, Manconumpe, Nenepaush Squa, Washewonoes Scpia, and 
Mamontoes Sijua, and Major John Talrott, Captain Benjamin Newberry, 
Captain Daniel Clarice, Sergeant John Griffin, all proprietors within the 
township of Massacoe alias Simsbury, within the Colony of Connecticut in 
New England ; — witnesseth ; 

That we Nesehegan, Seaket, Totoe, Aupes, Manconump, Nenepaush 
Squa, Washowonoes Squa, and Mamantoes Squa, being the only rightful 
owners, successors, and surviving heirs that can make any challenge, claim 
or demand upon, or of propriety in tliat tract of land which is circumscribed 
by boundaries hereafter mentioned being and belonging to the township of 
Massacoe, alias Simsbury, having a common right in that so disposed and 
aliened by our predecessor Manahonoose Younket and Pamotaquaunt, and for 
many other good considerations and causes hereunto us moving, and for a val- 
uable sum paid to us in hand in full satisfaction for all our right in the before 
mentioned tract, or parcel of land lying, being within the township of Massa- 
coe, alias Simsbury, the receipt whereof we do acknowledge, and do by these 
presents freely, fully, clearly, and absolutely give, grant, bargain, sell, enfeoff, 
and confirm unto Maj. John Talcott, Capt. Benjamin Newberry, Capt. Daniel 
Clarke, and Serg. John Griffin, in the behalf of the inhabitants and proprietors 
of the land belonging to the township of Massacoe, alias Simsbury, and their 
heirs and assigns for ever, all that tract of land lying and being situate on 
Farmington bounds southward, and from thence to run ten large miles north- 
erly, and from the bounds of Windsor town on the east, to run ten large miles 
westward, the tract or parcel of land being ten miles square large. 

To have and to hold possess and enjoy all the aforesaid tract or parcel of 
land, as it is now bounded, with all the immunities, privileges, meadows, pas- 
tures, commonage, timber, trees, wood, underwood, stones, quarries, mines, 
minerals, brooks, ponds, rivers, fishings, profits, commodities, emoluments 
and appvirtonances whatsoever is belonging thereunto, unto Maj. JohnTalcott, 
Capt. Benjamin Newberry, Capt, Daniel Clarke and Serg. John Griffin in the 
behalf of themselves, and in the behalf of the inhabitants and proprietors of 
the land belonging to the township of Massacoe alias Simsbury, to them their 
heirs and assigns, for their own and only proper use, benefit and behoof for- 
ever. And we Nesehegen, Seaket, Totoe, Aupes, Manconump, Nenapaush 
Squa, Wishowonoes Squa and Mamantoes Squa do assure and warrant the 
said Maj. John Talcott, Capt. Benjamin Newberry, Capt. Daniel Clarke, 
Serg. John Griffin and the rest of the proprietors of Massacoe, alias Simsbury, 
that wc have full power, good right and lawful authority to grant bargain and 
sell the aforesaid tract of land with all the appurtenances and singular the 
privileges thereunto belonging : And we the said Nesahegan, Seaket, Totoe, 



APPENDIX. 



149 



Aupes, Manconiimp, Nenepansh Squei, Wisliowonoes Squa, and Mamantocs 
Squa give them the said Maj. John Talcott, Capt. Benjamin Newberry, Capt. 
Daniel Ciarke and Serg,,Iohn Griffin, and the rest of the inhabitants and pro- 
prietors of the township of Massacoe, alias Simsbury, full power and authority 
to record the premises to themselves, to their heirs and assigns for ever. 
And we Nesahegan, Seaket, Totoe, Aupes, Maneonumpe, Nenepaush Squa, 
Wishovvonoes Squa and Mamantocs Squa do promise, covenant to and with 
the said M.ijor John Talcott, Capt. Benjamin Newberry, Capt. Daniel Clarke 
and Serg. John Griffin and the rest of the inhabitants and proprietors of Mas- 
sacoe, alias Simsbury, them, their heirs and assigns, shall and may by force 
and virtue of these presents from time to time, and at all times herealter and 
forever lawfully and peacibly and quietly have, hold, use, occupy, possess, 
and enjoy the aforesaid tract and parcel of land with all its rigiits, members 
immunities privileges and appurtenances, and have, receive and take the rents, 
issues, emoluments and profits thereof to their own and only proper use and 
behoof forever, without any lawful let, suit, trouble, molestation or disturb- 
ance whatsoever from us or any of us the said Nesahegan, Seaket, Totoe, 
Aupes, Manconump, Nenepash Squa, 'Weshewonoes Squa and Mamantoes 
Squa, our heirs, successors or assigns, or any person or persons whatsoever, 
from, by or under us our successors or assigns, or by our or their act, means, 
consent, privity or procurement : — x'^nd we Nesehegan, Seaket, Totoe, Aupes, 
Manconump, Nenepaush Squaw, Wishowonoes Squaw, and Mamantoes 
Squaw, both lor ourselves, heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, shall 
and do clear, and clearly acquit, exhonerate and discharge, or otherwise suf- 
ficiently save harmless the said Maj. John Talcott, Capt. Benjamin Newberry, 
Capt. Daniel Clarke, Serg. John Griffin, and the rest of the inhabitants and 
proprietors of Massacoe, alias Simsbury, their associates, themselves, their 
heirs, executors, administrators and assigns forever from all former and other 
grants, gifts, bargains, titles, troubles, demands and incumbrancies whatso- 
ever, had, made, committed, suffered or done, by us the aforesaid Nesehegan, 
Seaket, Totoe, Aupes, Manconump, Nenepaush Squaw, Wishowonoes Squaw, 
upon tlie premises. 

And in witness whereof, , we have hereunto, signed, sealed, and made 
delivery of the premises aforesaid in the year 1680 March 2G, in the presence 
of these witnesses. 

Further it is agreed and determined that whereas Mamanto hath a parcel of 
land containing by estimation about two acres lying and being situate in 
Weatauiie that he "the said Mamanto liath not sold his right in that said lard, 
but shall hold the same to himself, and his heirs and assigns forever, notwith- 
standing any thing in this deed contained to the contrary : — And it is further 
always provided that the aforesaid Indians named in this deed of .sale, them- 
selves and their heirs shall have liberty, and may without molestation from 
time to time, and at all times hereafter have free liberty to hunt, fowl and 
fish within the bounds of Simsbury alias Massaco notwithstanding any thing 
in this deed to the contrary, — and hereunto have subscribed and set their 
hands or marks the day and year abovesaid. 

Witnesses to the signing, sealing ~1 Nesehegan, his m.ark* and seal 

and delivery of the "premises Seaket, his mark and seal 

conveyed in this deed — I Totoe, his mark and seal 

John Strickland, Interpreter j Aups, his mark and seal 

John Andrews, Joseph Andrews ( Nenepaush, Squa, her mark and seal 
Wannoe, his mark J Wishewonoe, Squa, her mark and .seal 

Wyamp, his mark j Mamantoes, her mark and seal 

Vecokhepajen his mark { Manconump, his mark and>cal 

Wehassa'tuck, his mark j 

Cupheag his mark j Waquahoag, alias Cherry, gave his full 

and free consent to this before mentioned deed 
in all and singular the premises thereof, ratify- 

* These Indian marks cannot be printed. 



150 APPENDIX. 

ing the same, both for himself, heirs, executors, 
administrators and assigns, as witness his mark 
and seal. 
Waquaheag, alias Cherry his mark and seal 

Nesehegan, Seaket, Totoe, Aups, Nenepaush Squaw, Weshawonoes Squaw, 
Mamantoes Squaw and Mancouump personally appeared and acknowledged 
the beforesaid instrument and deed of sale to be their act and deed this twenty 
and seventh of March one thousand six hundred and eighty — as attest, 

John Talcott Assis't of his Majesty's 

Colony in Connecticut." 
Recorded in Book I. State Record of Deeds &c page 105, 

Per John Allyn, Secretary. 



Appendix B. 

SIMSBURY PATENT. 

"Whereas, the General Court of Conecticutt have formerly granted unto 
the proprietors. Inhabitants of Simsbury, all those lands, both medows and 
uplands within these abutments ; upon l-'armington Bounds on the south, and 
to run east and west ten miles, and from the south bounds North, ten miles, 
and abutts on the wilderness on the north, and on the wilderness on the west, 
and on Windsor Bounds on the east ; The whole tract being Ten miles square, 
the said lands and premises having ben by purchase or otherwise laufuUy 
obteyned of Indian Native proprietors, oy the proprietors, inhabitants of Sims- 
bury aforesaid. And whereas, the Inhabitants of Simsbury, in the Colony 
of Conecticutt assembled in Court, the 14 of May 1085. And that they may 
have a patent for confirmation of the aforesaid lands to them so purchased and 
granted to them as aforesaid, and which they have stood seized and quietly 
posessed of for some years past without interruption.- Now, for a more full 
confirmation of the aforesaid Tract of land, as it is butted and bounded afore- 
said, unto the present proprietors of the said township of Simsbury: Know 
ye, that the said Govenorand company, assem.bled in General court according 
to the commission, and by vertue of the power granted to them by our late 
sovereign lord, king Charles the second, of blessed rnemorie, in his late patent 
bearing date the three and twentyth day of April, in the Mth year of his said 
Majesty's Reign, have given and granted, and by these presents do give, grant 
and ratify, and confirme unto Major John Tallcot, Capt. Benjamin Newbery, 
ensign John Terry, Mr. John Case, Mr. Joshua Holcomb, Mr. Samuel Wil- 
cox, Mr John Higley, Mr. Thomas Barber, and the rest of the present pro- 
prietors of the township of Simsbury, and their heires and assignes for ever, 
and to ench of them in such proportion, as they have already agreed upon for 
the division of the same, all that aflbresaid Tract or parcels of land as it is 
butted and bounded, together with the woods, uplands, arable lands, mead- 
ows, pastures, ponds, waters, rivers. Islands, fishings. Huntings, fowlings, 
minds, minerals,'quarries and precious stones, upon or within the said tract 
of land, with all other proffits and comodities thereunto belonging, or in any 
wise appertaining; and do also grant unto the aforesaid named. Major John 
Tallcot, Capt. Benjamin Newbury, Ensign John Terry, Mr. John Case, Mr. 
John Higley, Mr. Joshua Holcombe, Mr. Samuel Wilcox, Mr. Thomas Bar- 
ber, and the rest of the present proprietors, Inhabitants of Simsbury, their 
heires and assignes forever, that the aforesaid Tract of land shall be forever 
hereafter deemed reputed, and be an entire Township of itself. To have and 
to hold the said tract of land and premises, all and singular their appurte- 
nances together with the privileges, imunities, franchises herein given and 



APPENDIX. 151 

granted, to the gaid Major John Tallcot, Capt. Benjamen Newbery, finsign 
John Terry, Mr. John Higley, Mr. John Case, Mr. Joshua Holcombe, Mr. 
Samuel Wilcox, Mr. Thomas "Barber and the other present proprietors, inhab- 
itants of Simsbury, their heires and assignes forever, and to the only proper 
use and behoofe of the said major John Tallcot, Capt. Benjamin Newberv, 
ensign John Terry, Mr. John Higley, Mr. John Case, Mr. Joshua Holcombe, 
Mr Samuel Wilcox, Mr Thomas Barber and other the present proprietors, 
inhabitants of Simsbury, their heires and assignes forever, according to the 
tenure of his Majesty's manor of East Greenwich in the county of Kent, in 
the kingdom ol^ England, in free and comon soccage, and not in cappitte, nor 
by Knight service, they yielding or paying therefor to our soveraigne lord the 
king, his heires and successors only, the fifth part of all the oure of gold and 
silver, which from time to time, and at all times hereafter, shall be there got- 
ten, had or obtained, in lieu of all rent services, duties and demands whatso- 
ever, according to Charter. In witnesse whereof, we have caused the seal 
of the colony to be hereunto affixed this eleventh day of March, one thousand 
six hundred eighty-five, six, and in the second year of the reigne of our 
souveraigne lord James the Second, by the Grace of God, of England, Ire- 
land, franco and Scotland, king, defender of the faith &c. 

Robert Treat, Governor. 
Per order of the General court of Connecticut, signed per 

John Allyn, Secretary." 

This Patent was confirmed by act of the General Court in 1703. 
Four of the Patentees belonging to Simsbury, John Case, Thomas Barber, 
Samuel Wilcox and John Higley, were living, and executed a deed in ] 700. 



Appendix C. 
AMOUNT OF LISTS,— SIMSBURY. 

JVone appear on the State Records until 16S9— before this time it is suppo- 
sed, the Colony taxes had been remitted. 

No. of Persons. Amount of Estates. No. of Persons. Amount of Estates. 



1689 


70 


£3606 


1704 


93 


£3282 


1690 


59 


3220 


1705 


76 


377G 


1G91 


66 


3348 


1706 


73 


3744 


1692 


no list returned. 




1707 


80 


' 3940 


1693 


78 


3494 


1708 


74 


3910 


1694 


72 


3661 


1709 


85 


4093 


1695 


56 


2621 


1710 




4191 


1696 


70 


2975 


1720 




6379 


1697 


70 


3160 


1730 




9099 


1698 


76 


3032 


1740 




13888 


1699 


90 


3245 


17.50 




19466 


1700 


83 


29S4 


1760 




22976 


1701 


67 


3087 


1770 




28700 


1702 


70 


3174 


1780 




37239 


1703 


92 


3436 









After 1709, the number of taxable persons are not recorded on the State 
Records. 



152 



APPENDIX. 



Appendix D. 



TOWN RATES,— 1694. 
List of persons against whom taxes were laid. 



John Case, Sen. 
Ens. Biirber, 
John I'etibone, San. 
John Moses, 
Daniel Adams, 
Samuel Humphrey, 
John Ciise, Jun. 
Josiah Owen, 
Sergt. Wilcoxson, 
Thomas Griffin, 
Luke Hill, Jun. 
Richard Soger, 
John LSaxton, 
Jonas VVestover, 
Jacob Bissell, 
Samuel Bissell, Sen. 
Robert Hoskins, 
Luke Hill, Sen. 
Nathaniel Holcomb,' 
Humphry Prior, 
Peter iiuell, 



Widow Drake's Estate, 
Joseph Strickland, 
John Sialer, Sen. 
John Roberts, 
Samuel Case, 
Richard Case, 
Ephrain Grithn, 
J. Gillett, 

Samuel Wilcoxson, Jun. 
Joseph Skinner, 
Lt. Higlev, • 
Ebenezer Parsons, 
Thomas iiacon, 
Robert Weston, 
Wm. Case, 
John Williams, 
Widow Holcomb, 
John Griffin, 
Stephen Terry, 
Tliomas Holcomb, 
Andrew Hillyer, 



John Pectibone, Jun. 
John Mills, 
John Clark, 
John Tuller, 
Sergt. John Humphrey, 
Elias Gillett, 
James Mills, 
Joseph Kelsey, 
Joseph Phelps, 
Eleazer Hill, 
Stephen Pettibone, 
John Adams, 
Samuel Adams, 
Sergt. Hillyer, 
Mr. John Moore, 
Thomas Griswold, 
Nathaniel Gillett, 
John Hayden, 
John Matson, 
Samuel Barber, 
John Slater, Jun. — 63 



The largest taxes are against John Higley, and Ens. Barber. A few per- 
sons on the list were non-residents. 



MINISTER'S RATES— 1696. 



Daniel Adams, 
Samuel Adams, 
Matthew Allen, 
Samuel Allen, 
Ens. Barber, 
Sergt. Buell, 
Samuel Bissell, 
Widow Bissell, 
Samuel Barber, 
Thomas Bacon, 
John Case, Sen. 
John Case, Jun. 
William Case, 
Samuel Case, 
Richard Case, 
Barth'w Case, 
Joseph Case, 
John Clark, 
John Griffin, 
Thomas Griffin, 
Ephraim Griffin, 
Widow Gozard, 
William Gillett, 



Thomas Griswold, 

Lt. John Higley, ^ 

Sergt. John Humphry, 

Sergt. Sam'l Humphry, 

John Humphry, Jun. 

Robert Hoskins, 

Sergt. Nathan'l Holcomb 

Nathaniel Holcomb, Jun. 

Thomas Holcomb, 

Joshua Holcomb, 

Eleazer Hill, 

Luke Hill, 

John Hill, 

Andrew Hilliard, 

Sergt. James Hilliard, 

Widow Holcomb, 

John Haile, 

Thomas Kelsey, 

Mr. Moore, 

John Moses, 

John Mills, 

John -Matson, 

John Pettibone, Sen. 



John Pettibone, Jun. 
Steven Pettibone, 
Samuel Pettibone, 
Ebenezer Parsons, 
Samuel Parsons, 
William Parsons, 
, John Prior, 
Joseph Phelps, 
John Roberts, 
Christopher Roberts, 
Jos. Strickland, 
John Slater, Sen. 
John Slater, Jun^ 
Richard Seger, / 
John Saxton, 
Stephen Terry, 
John Tuller, 
Sergt. Wilcoxson, 
Samuel Wilcoxson, 
William Wilcoxson, 
Jonas Wcstover, 
John Williams.— 68 



The largest tax is against J. Higley, — next highest, Ens. Barber, Stephen 
Terry, and Jonas Westover. 



APPENDIX. 



153 



MINISTER'S RATES— 1701. 



Daniel Adams, 
Joseph Alt'ord, 
Samuel Adams, 
Lieut. Barber, 
Peter Buell, 
S. Barber, 
Thomas Barber, 
John Barber, 
David Buttolph, 
Thomas Bacon, ■ 
Bissell's land, 
J. Case, Sen. 
J. Case, Jun. 
S. Case, 
R. Case, 
Barth'w Case, 
Widow Case, 
J. Cornish, 
J. Cook, 
Ben. Dibble, 
J. Eno, 
S. Evans, 
J. Griffin, 
Thomas Griffin, 



Ephraim, Griffin, 
Nathaniel Griffin, 
Nathaniel Gozard, 
William Gillett, 
Thomas Griswold, 
Capt. Higley, 
Sergt. Hilliard, 
Jonathan Higley, 
Ens. Humphry, 
John Humphry, 
Thomas Humphry, 
Thomas Holcomb, 
Nathaniel Holcomb, 
Jonathan Holcomb, 
R. Hoskins, 
Jona. Holcomb, 
Luke Hill, 
John Hill, 
George Hayes, 
Andrew Hilliard, 
Ed. Moore, 
J. Moses, 
J. Matson, 



Simon Mills, 
J. Pettibone, Sen. 
J. Pettibone, Jun. 
Joseph Phelps, 
Stephen Pettibone, 
S. Pettibone, 
Wm. Parsons, 
Andrew Robe, 
Jacob Reed, 
John Roberts, 
Peter Rice, 
Jos. Strickland, 
J. Saxton, 
John Slater, Sen. 
J. Slater, Jun. 
S. Slater, 
Stephen Terry, 
John TuUer, 
S. Terry, 
Sergt. Willcocks, 
S. Willcocks, Jun. 
Wm. Willcocks, 
Jona. Westover, — 70 



NAMES OF FREEMEN— Stmsbury. 
Copied from the Town Records — Date not given. 



John Higley, Sen. 
Lieut. Thomas Barber, 
John Pettibone Sen. 
Sam'l Wilcoxson, Sen. 
Natban'l Holcomb, Sen. 
Sergt. James Hilliard, 
Sergt. Buell, 
Sergt. Daniel Adams, *^ 
John Moses, Sen. 
James Cornish, 
Lt. Samaiel Humphrys. 
Joseph Phelps, 
David Buttolph, 
Samuel Wilcockson, 
John Case, 
John Saxton, 
John Griffin, 
Thomas Griffin, 
William Gillette, 
Wm. Wilcoxson, 
Nathaniel Holcomb, Jun 
John Matson, 
John Pettibone Jun. • 
Samuel Pettibone, 



Stephen Pettibone, 
Samuel Case, 
Barth'w Case, 
Benjamin Dibble, 
Nathan Gozard, 
Jonathan Holcomb, 
Thomas Barber, 
Robert Hoskin, 
John Hill, 
John Slater, Sen. 
John Slater, Jun. 
John Humphrys, 
George Hayse, 
Joshua Holcomb, 
Joseph Case, 
Richard Case, 
Andrew Robe, 
John Roberts, 
Thomas Holcomb, 
John TuUer, 
Samuel Adams, Sen. 
Jolin Cooke, 
Jonas Westover, 
John Moses, Jun. 

14 



Samuel Terry, 
John Terry, 
Joseph Wilcockson, 
Joseph Segur, 
Cornelius Gillett. 

These entered Oct. 1717. 
Mr. Tim'y Woodbridge. 
Sam'l Humphry, 
Samuel Bemant, 
Samuel Griswold, 
Benjamin Adams, 
Samuel Buell, 
John Higley, 
Daniel Hays, 
Elias Slater, 
Simon Mills, 
James Cornish, Jun. 
William Eno, 
Joseph Adams, 
Sam'l Huniphrys(Justice) 
Joseph Cornish, 
Samuel Sl.iter, 
William Rice. 



154 APPENDIX. 

Appendix E. 

The following offices have been held by gentlemen born within the ancient 
limits of Simsbury, now including the towns of Simsbury, Granby and 
Canton : — 

Governor of this State,* 

Secretary of the United States Treasury ,t 

Comptroller of United States Treasurer, 

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, New York,}: 

Judge of the Supreme Court, New York, 

Attorney General of New York, 

United States District Attorney, Michigan, 

Bishop of the Episcopal Church, § 

Two Presidents of Colleges, 

Six Members of Congress, 

Secretary of this State, 

Comptroller of Treasury, this State, 

President of a State Senate, 

Thiee Speakers of Houses of Representatives, 

Presiding Circuit Judge in Ohio, 

Two Chief Judges of County Courts, 

Five Associate Judges of do. 

Adjutant General of Militia, 

Major General of Militia, 

Six Brigadier Generals of Militia, 

Four Sheriffs of this County, 

Three Mayors of Cities, 

Three Senators of this State, and three or more of other States, 

President of a State Bank, 

Bank Commissioner, — and, 

A large number of Clergymen, the number not ascertained. 

* Gov Roger WoLPOTT. All historical accounts of the Governor ass'lffn Windsor as 
the place of his nalivity. Kiit such is not the fact. He was born in Simsbury, where his 
father resided about three years after ihe birlli of this son. The late Governor Oliver Wol- 
cott, who was his grandson, not only frequently confirmed this statement, but in ]8'26 visited 
this town, and went to the spot where his grandfather was born, and in presence of several 
gentlemen who accompanied him, spoke of it as being the place of nativity of his ancestor. 
This place is near the north line of the present town of Simsbury, on the road leading from 
Hop meadow lo the Falls. 

Tradition says that the first Governor Trumbull was born at the same place, and in the 
same house. His mother was a daughter of John Iligley Fsq. who became the purchaser 
and occupier of the Wolcott farm, and, as the story goes, she gave birth to this son wliile on 
a visit at her father's house. This may be true, but it is far more reasonable to suppose that 
the story originated from the circumstance that the mother, instead of the son, was born- 
here. 

t Hon. Walter ^'orward, of Pittsburgh. He was born in East Granby. When about 
fourtren years of age, his father removed into Ohio. Young Forwaid, mainly by his own 
unaided efforts, obtained a respectable education. He devoted his attention to legal studies, 
and after his ■■uimission loihe bar, rose rapidly to distinction in that profession. He has been 
Member of (^ongress. Comptroller, and afterwards Secretary of the Treasury. He is highly 
distinguished lor talents, probity, and professional ability. 

I Hon. Grkene C. Rronsov, of Albany. He was born at Hop meadow, in the house 
now occupied by Calvin Barlier Esq. After a practice of a few years at the bar in the 
County of Oneida, New York, where he attained a high reputation in his profession, he 
was, while yet a young man, appointed Attorney General, — afterwards an A.ssociate Justice, 
and recently Chief Justice, of the Supreme Court of that State. He sustains the character 
of an upright Judge, and able Jurist. His father, who was a teacher and compo.ser of 
church music, removed his family from Simsbury, about forty years since, to the State of 
New York. 

^ The Ut. R|£v. Ai,EXA?:nER Vifts Griswold, wa.s born at Tarifl^ville, where a sister 
and other relatives of his now reside. His iiiinisterial labors iiave been chiefly performed 
in the States of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. He died suddenly, about two years since, 
at Boston, where he then resided. All accounts accord to him great purity of life, meek- 
ness, piety, and faithfulness in the ministry. 



APPENDIX. 



155 



In this list, the same person, in some instances, held more than one of the 
offices here specified. 

There are others too, who have been distinguished for their enterprise and 
wealth. Among these, may be mentioned Mr. Samuel Forbes, who died some 
years since in Canaan ; Anson G. Phelps, Esq. of New York, distinguished 
alike for wealth, and liberality in the promotion of all charitable objects ; 
and three or four other enterprising merchants, also of New York, who, though 
yet young, are reputed wealthy. 



Appendix F. 

JUDGES OF PROBATE. 

District of Simsbury. — [Established 1769.] 

JUDGES. 





Appninled. 




Appointed. 


John Owen, 


1769 


Elisha Phelps, 


1821 


Noah Phelps, 


1783 


Jeffery 0. Phelps, 


]825 


George Humphreys, 


1806 


John 0. Pettibone, 


1826 


Aaron Austin, 


1814 


Shubael S. Hoskins, 


1842 


Solomon Everest, 


1816 


Dudley Humphreys, 


1844 



District of Granby. — [Established 1807.] 
JUDGES. 





Appointed. 




Appointed. 


Pliny Hillyer, 


1807 


Thomas Holcomb, 


18.38 


Joab Griffin, 


1818 


Thomas G. Holcomb. 


1839 


Joshua R. Jewitt, 


1834 


Joel C. Holcomb, 


1842 


Phelps Humphreys, 


1835 


Truman Allen, 


1844 


Joel C. Holcomb, 


1836 







District of Canton. — [Established 1841.] 



JUDGES. 



Ephraim Mills, 
Luther Higley, 



Appointed. 

1841 
1843 



Ephraim Mills, 



Appointed. 
1844 



156 



APPENDIX. 
Appendix G. 



LIST 

Of Representatives elected from the Town of Simshury to the General 

Assembly. 



1670 



1071 



1072 
1073 



MAY SESSION. 

Joshua Holcomb, 
John Case, 
John Griffin, 
Joshua Holcomb, 
John Griffin, 
Simon Wolcott, 



OCTOBER SESSION. 

John Griffin, 
Michael Humphrey, 
Simon Wolcott, 



Simon Wolcott, 
John Griffin, 
John Case, 



1674 John Griffin, 

1675 Simon Wolcott, 
John Case, 

From this time until 1687, no Representatives were elected. 



1687 
1688 
1089 
1090 
1691 

1692 
1693 
1694 

1695 
1696 

1697 
1698 

1699 

1700 

1701 

1702 

1703 

1704 

1705 

1706 

1707 

1708 

1709 

1710 



Peter Buell, 

Sergt. Sam'l Wilcoxson, 

Joshua Holcomb, 
John Higley, 
John Case, 
John Higley, 
John Higley, 
John Higley, 
Samuel Willcox, 



Samuel Wilcoxson, 
John Higley, 
Samuel Wilcoxson, 
John Higley, 
Samuel Wilcoxson, 
John Higley, 
Samuel Wilcoxson, 
John Higley, 
Samuel Wilcoxson, 
Daniel Adams, ' 
Ens. Samuel Humphry, 
Sergt. Nath'l Holcomb, 
Daniel Adams, 
Capt. John Higley, 
Sergt. Nath'l Holcomb, 
Capt. John Higley, 
Sergt. Nath'l Holcomb, 
Cant. John Higley, 
Nathaniel Holcomb, 
Capt. John Higley, 
l^' James Cornish, 
Capt. John Higley, 
Nathaniel Holcomb 
Joseph Phelps, 
James Cornish, 
Capt. John Higley, 
Samuel Wilcoxson, 



Capt. John Higley, 

John Higley, 
Peter Buell, . 

John Higley, 
John Higley, 
Samuel Willcox, 
Samuel Wilcoxson, 
Samuel Wilcoxson, 
Peter Buell, 
Samuel Wilcoxson, 
John Higl«y, 

Daniel Adams, 



John Higley, 
Samuel Wilcoxson, 
Ensign Samuel Humphry, 
Sergt. Daniel Adams, 
Nathaniel Holcomb, 
Daniel Adams, 
Capt. John Higley, 

Capt. John Higley, 

Capt.. John Higley, 
Samuel Cornish, 
Capt. John Higley, 
Nathaniel Holcomb, 
Capt. John Higley, 
Nathaniel Holcomb, 
John Higley, 
Joseph Phelps, 
Joseph Phelps, 





APPENDIX 


• 




MAY SESSION-. 


OCTOBER SESSION. 


1711 


John Higley, 


James Cornish, 




Samnel Wilcockson, 


Joseph Phelps, 


1712 


Samuel Wilcockson, 


Joseph Phelps, 




Joseph Phelps, 


James Cornish, 


1713 


Joseph Phelps, 


Joseph Phelps, 




Tliomas Holcomb, 


Joseph Case, 


1714 


Joseph Phelps, 


Thomas Holcomb, 




Joseph Case, 


Joseph Case, 


1715 


Joseph Phelps, 


Joseph Phelps, 




Joseph Case, 


John Pettibone, 


1716 


John Pettibone, 


Joseph Phelps, 




Joseph Case, 


Joseph Case, 


1717 


Joseph Phelps^ 


Joseph Phelps, 




Joseph Case, 


Joseph Case, 


1718 


Joseph Phelps, 


Joseph Phelps, 




Joseph Case, 


Joseph Case, 


1719 


Thomas Holcomb, 


Thomas Holcomb, 




Samuel Holcomb, 


Samuel Humphreys, 


1720 


Nathaniel Holcomb, 


Nathaniel Holcomb, 




Thomas Holcomb, 


Thomas Holcomb, 


1721 


Joseph Phelps, 


Thomas Holcomb, 




Thomas Holcomb, 


Joseph Phelps, 


1722 


Richard Case, 


Nathaniel Holcomb, 




Samuel Humphreys, 


Jonathan Westover, 


1723 


Joseph Case, 


Samuel Humphreys, 




Samuel Humphreys, 


John Case, 


1724 


Joseph Phelps, 


Samuel Humphreys, 




Samuel Humphreys, 


John Case, 


1725 


Joseph Phelps, 
Samuel Humphreys, 


Joseph Phelps, 


1726 


Joseph Case, 


Jonatlian Westover, 




Joseph Phelps, 


Benjamin Adams, 


1727 


Benjamin Adams, 
Samuel Griswold, 


Joseph Case, 


172S 


Joseph Case, 


Joseph Case, 




Jonathan Westover, 


John Higley, 


1729 




James Hillyer, 
Samuel Forward, 


1730 


Joseph Case, 


Jonathan Westover, 




John Higley, 


John Higley, 


1731 


Joseph Phelps, 


Joseph Phelps, 




Joseph Case, 


Jose])h Case, 


1732 


Joseph Phelps, 


Joseph Phelps, 




Joseph Case, 


Samuel Griswold, 


1733 


James Case, 


Samuel Pettibone, 




John Hum4)hrey, 


Samuel Pettibone, 2d, 


1734 


John Humphrey, 


John Humphrey, 




Samuel Pettibone, 


Samuel Pettibone, 


1735 


John Humphrey, 


John Humphrey, 




James Case, 


James Case, 


1736 


Josepli Phelps, 
James Smith, 


John Humphrey, 


1737 


Joseph Phelps, 


John Humphrey, 




Benajah Case, 


Benajah Case, 


1738 


John Humphrey, 


John Humphrey, 




Samuel Pettibone, 


James Case, 


1739 


John Humphrey, 


John Humphrey, 




James Case, ^ 


Joseph Wilcox, 


1740 


James Case, 


John Humphrey, 




Joseph Wilcox, 


Joseph Wilcox, 



157 



.14* 



158 





APPENDf: 


£. 




MAY SESSION. 


OCTOBER SESSION. 


1741 


John Humphrey, 


John Humphrey, 




John Case, 


Joseph Case, 


1742 


John Humphrey, 


John Humphrey, 




Joseph Wilcox, 


Joseph Wilcox, 


1743 


John Humphrey, 


John Humphrey, 




Joseph Wilcoxson, 


Joseph Wilcoxson, 


1744 


John Humphrey, 


John Humphrey, 




James Case, 


Joseph Wilcoxson, 


1745 


John Humphrey, 


Michael Humphrey, 




James Case, 


Joseph Wilcoxson, 


174G 


John Humphrey, 


John Humphrey, 




John Case 


Joseph Wilcoxson, 


1747 


James Cornish, 


James Case, ■ 




John Humphrey, 


Andrew Robe, 


1748 


Nathaniel Holcomb, 


John Humphrey, 




James Case, 


James Case, 


1749 


John Humphrey, 


John Humphrey, 




Nathaniel Holcomb, 


Andrew Robe, 


1750 


John Humphrey, 


Andrew Robe, 




Andrew Robe, 


Nathaniel Holcomb, 


1751 


Nathaniel Holcomb, 


John Humphrey, 




Andrew Robe, 


Nathaniel Holcomb, 


1752 


John Humphrey, 


John Humphrey, 




Nathaniel Holcomb, 


David Phelps, 


1753 


John Humphrey, 


Andrew Robe, 




Nathuniel Holcomb, 


David Phelps, 


1754 


David Phelps, 


John Humphrey, 




Andrew Robe, 


David Phelps, 


1755 


James Case, 


James Case, 




Jonathan Pettibone, 


David Phelps, 


1756 


Jonathan Pettibone, 


Jonathan Pettibone^ 
Joshua Holcomb, 


1757 


John Humphrey, 


John Humphrey, 
Jonathan Pettibone, 


1758 


Joseph Wilcockson, 


Joseph Wilcockson, 




David Phelps, 


David Phelps, 


1759 


David Phelps, 


Michael Humphrey, 




Jonathan Pettibone, 


Joseph Wilcockson, 


17G0 


David Phelps, 


John Humphrey, 




John Humphrey, 


David Phelps, 


1761 


Hezekiah Humphrey 


John Case, 




Jonathan Pettibone, 


Hezekiah Humphrey, 


1762 


Hezekiah Humphrey, 


Hezekiah Humphrey, 




John Case, 


John Pettibone, 


1763 


Hezekiah Humphrey, 


Hezekiah Humphrey, 




John Case, 


Jonathan Pettibone, 


1764 


Jonathan Pettibone, 
Hezekiah Humphrey, 


John Case, 


1765 


Jonathan Pettibone, 


John Case, 




Hezekiah Humphrey, 


Hezekiah Humphrey, 


1766 


Jonathan Pettibone, 


John Owen, 




John Case, 


Oliver Humphrey, 


1767 


Oliver Humphrey, 


John Owen, > 




Hezekiah Humphrey, 


Hezekiah Humphrey, 


1768 


John Owen, 


Jonathan Pettibone, 




Hezekiah Humphrey, 


Oliver Humphrey, 


1769 


John Case, 


Joseph Forward, 




Oliver Humphrey, 


Amos Wilcox, Jr., 


1770 


John Owen, * 


John Owen, 




John Humphrey, 


Jonathan Humphrey, 



APP E N D I X 



159 



1771 

1772 

1773 

1774 

1775 

177G 

1777 

1778 

1779 

17S0 

17S1* 

17S2 

1783 

1784 

1785 

1786 

1787 

17SS 

1789 

1790 

1701 

1792 

1793 

1794 

1795 

179(3 

1797 

1798 

1799 



MAT SESSION. 

John Owen, 
Hezekiah Humphrey, 
Hezekiah Humphrey, 
Judah Holcomb, 
Hezekiah Holcomb, 
Jonathan Humphrey, 
Judah Holcomb, 
Jonathan Pettibone, 
Judah Holcomb, 
Asahel Holcomb, 
Judah Holcomb, 
Benjamin Farnham, 
Ezekiel Humphrey, 
Daniel Humphrey, 
Noah Phelps, 
Daniel Humphrey, 
Ozias Pettibone, 
Noah Phelps, 
Peter Rice, 
Benjamin Farnham, 



Daniel Humplirey, 
Elisha Graham, 
Daniel Humphrey, 
Dudley Pettibone, 
Daniel Humphrey, 
Jonathan Pettibone, 
Daniel Humphrey, 
Hezekiah Holcomb, 
Daniel Humphrey, 
Noah Phelps, 
Noah Phelps. 



Noali Phelps, 
Jonathan Pettibone, 
Noah Phelps, 
Reuben Humphrey, 
Noah Plielps, 
Jonathan Pettibone, 
Noah Phelps, 
Reuben Humphrey, 
Daniel Humphrey, 
Noah Phelps, 
Daniel Humphrey, 
Reuben Humphrey, 
Noah Phelps, 
Daniel Humphrey, 
Daniel Humjjhrey, • 
Jonathan Pettibone, 
Daniel Humphrey, 
Dudley Pettibone, 
Noah Phelps, 
Israel Mills, 
George Humphrey, 
Noah A. Phelps, 
Amaziah Humphrey, 
Jonathan Pettibone, 



OCTOBER SESSION. 

John Owen, 
Samuel Lawrence, 
Jonathan Humphrey, 
Judah Holcomb, 
Hezekiah Humphrey, 
Jonathan Pettibone, ^ 
Jonatlian Pettibone, 
Jonathan Humphre\, 
Judah Holcomb, 
Elisha Graham, 
Samuel Lawrence, 
Amos Wilcox, 
Amasa Mills, 
Noah Phelpsf^ 
Samuel Hays, 
Daniel Humphrey, 
Amasa Mills, 
Benjamin Farnham, 
Noah Phelps, 
Eliphalet Curtiss, 
Daniel Humphrey, 
Abel Pettibone, 
Dudley Pettibone, 

Daniel Humphrey, 
Hezekiah Holcomb, 
Daniel Humphrey, 
Jonathan Pettibone, 
Daniel Humphrey, 
Noah Phelps, 
Jonathan Pettibone, 
Noah Phelps, 
Noah Phelps, 



Noah Phelps, 
Jonathan Pettibone, 
Noah Phelps, 
Jonathan Pettibone, 
Daniel Humphrey, 
Jonathan Pettibone, 
Daniel Humphrey, 
Jon.Tthan Pettibone, 
Noah Phelps, 
Daniel Humphrey, 
Daniel Humphrey, 
Noah Phelps, 
Noah Phelps, 
George Humphrey, 
Noah Plielps, 
Dudley Pettibone, 
Noah Phelps, 
George Humphrey, 
George Humphrey, 
Amaziah Humphrey, 
Daniel Humphrey, 
Jonatlian Pettibone, 
George Humplirey, 
Noah A. Phelps, 



* Names on record obliterated. 



160 



APPENDIX, 



1800 
1801 
1802 
1803 
1804 
1805 
180(3 
1807 
1808 
1809 
1810 
1811 
1812 
1813 
1814 
1815 
1816 
1817 
1818 



MAY SESSION. 

Jonathan Pettibone, 
Amaziel Humphrey, 
Noah Phelps, 
Jonathan Pettibone, 
George Humphrey, 
John Bestor, 
Georjje Humphrey, 
William Mather, 
Jonathan Pettibone, 
Samuel Barnard, 
Amaziah Humphrey. 
James Humphrey, 
Noah A. Phelps, 
Elisha Case, 2d, 
Samuel Barnard, 
Elisha Phelps, 
Daniel Wilcox, 
Noah A. Phelps, 
Noah A. Phelps, 
Jonathan Pettibone, 
Jonathan Pettibone, Jr., 
Jonathan Eno,Jr., 
Jonathan Pettibone Jr., 
Jonathan Eno Jr., 
Campbell Humphrey, 
George Cornish, 
George Cornish, 
Campbell Humphrey, 
Elisha Phelps, 
Ebenezer Barnard, 
Elisha Phelps, 
Asaph Tuller, 
Elisha Phelps, ' 
Daniel Wilcox, 
• James Cornish, 
Zelotes Plielps, 
Elisha Phelps, 
Zelotes Phelps, 



OCTOBER SESSION. 

Noah Phelps, 
Jonathan Pettibone. 
George Humphrey, 
John Bestor, 
Jonathan Pettibone, 
Noah A. Phelps, 
Daniel Humphrey, 
George Humphrey, 
Jonathan Pettibone, 
Noah A. Phelps, 
William Mather, 
Darius Moses, 
Jonathan Pettibone, 
Shubael Hoskins, 
Noah A. Phelps, 
Shubael Hoskins, • 
Samuel Barnard, 
Noah A. Phelps. 
Noah A. Phelps, 
William Mather, 
Jonathan Pettibone Jr., 
Jonalhan Eno Jr., 
Jonathan Pettibone Jr., 
Joel Griswold, 
Oliver C. Phelps, 
Elisha Phelps, 
Oliver C. Phelps, 
Joseph Goodwin, 
Jonalhan Pettibone Jr., 
Ebenezer Barnard, 
Jonathan Pettibone Jr., 
Asaph Tuller, 
James Cornish, 
Wait Latimer, 
Elisha Phelps, 
Wait Latimer, 
Oliver C. Phelps, 
Asa Hoskins. 



After 1818, the October Sessions ivcre discontinued. 



1819 
1821 
1823 
1825 
1827 
1829 
1831 
1833 
1835 
1837 



Asa Hoskins, 
James Goodwin, 
Elisha Phelps, 
Ariel Mitchelson, 
Oliver C. Phelps, 
Amos Tuller, 
(Not recorded,) 

Oliver C. Phelps, 
Amos Tuller, 
Elisha Phelps, 
Obed HigleyJr., 
Jetlrey O. Phelps, 
Abel Adams, 
Moses Ensign, 
Everett Wilcox, 
Elisha Phelps, 
Obed Higley Jr., 
Jetirey 0. Phelps, 
Virgil Pettibone, 



1S20 Jonathan Pettibone Jr., 

Zelotes Phelps, 
1822 John O. Pettibone, 

Hezekiah Case, 
1824 Aurora Case, 

Joseph Pinney, 
1826 Jonathan Pettibone, 

Dudley Humphreys, 
1828 Chauncey Eno, 

John 0. Pettibone, 
1830 William Mather Jr., 

Shubael S. Hoskins, 
1832 Shubael S. Hoskins, 

Virgil Pettibone, 
1834 Horace Belden, 

Salmon Eno, 
1836 Ambrose Adams, 

Shubael S. Hoskins, 
1838 William Mather Jr., 

Lewis Dickinson, 



APPENDIX 



161 



1S39 



1S41 
1843 



Richard Bacon, 
Allen Pinney, 
Benoni B. Bacon, 
Phelps Barnard, 
Mamre Case, 



1840 

1S42 
1S44 



Jay H. Filley, 
Moses Ensign, 

Justin A. Bradley, 
Job Case. 



LIST OF REPRESENTATIVES— GRANBY. 



MAY SESSIOIV. 

1787 Hezekiah Holcomb,* 

1788 Hezekiah Holcomb, 

1789 Hezekiah Holcomb, 

1790 Pliny Hillyer, 

1791 Ozias Pettibone, 

1792 Ozias Pettibone, 

1793 Pliny Hillyer, 

1794 Hezekiah Holcomb Jr. 

1795 Plinv Hillyer, 
Hezekiah Holccmb, 

1796 Pliny Hillyer, 
Hezekiah Holcomb, 

1797 Hezekiah Holcomb, 
Ozias Pettibone, 

1798 Hezekiah Holcomb, 
Pliny Hillyer, 

1799 Pliny Hillyer, 
Chauncey Pettibone, 

isOO Samuel Clark, 

Chauncey Pettibone, 

1801 Chauncey Pettibone, 
Joseph Cornish, 

1802 Pliny Hillyer, 
Samuel Clark, 

1803 Pliny Hillyer, 
Joseph Cornish, 

1804 Pliny Hillyer, 
Sadoce Wilcox, 

1805 Pliny Hillyer, 
Chauncey Pettibone, 

1806 Chauncey Pettibone, 
Samuel Clark, 

1807 Pliny Hillyer, 
Hezekiah Holcomb, 

1808 Sadoce Wilcox, 
Appleton Robbins, 

1809 Chauncey Pettibone, 
Jesse Holcomb, 

1810 Sadoce Wilcox, 
Jesse Holcomb, 

1811 Joseph Cornish, 
Asa Hays, 

1812 Sadoce "Wilcox, 
Whitfield Cowles, 

1813 Appleton Robbins, 
Pliny Hillyer, 

1814 James Dibble, 
James Forward, 

1815 Plinv Hillyer, 
Apoilos G. Hillyer, 



OCTOBER SESSION. 

Hezekiah Holcomb, 
Pliny Hillyer, 
Ozias Pettibone, 
Ozias Pettibone, 
Ozias Pettibone, 
Ozias Pettibone, 
Pliny Pillyer, 
Hezekiah Holcomb, 
Pliny Hillyer, 
James Huggins, 
Hezekiah Holcomb, 
Ozias Pettibone, 
Hezekiah Holcomb, 
Pliny Hillyer, 
Pliny Hillyer, 
Chauncey Pettibone, 
Pliny Hillyer, 
Chauncey Pettibone, 
Chauncey Pettibone, 
Hezekiah Holcomb, 
Pliny Hillyer, 
Hezekiah Holcomb, 
Chauncey Pettibone, 
Hezekiah Holcomb, 
Chauncey Pettibone, 
Hezekiah Holcomb, 
Archibald Kasson, 
Joseph Cornish, 
Chauncey Pettibone, 
Sadoce Wilcox, 
Seth Hays, 
Ebenezer Hickox, 
Chauncey Pettibone, 
James Huggins, 
Pliny Hillyer, 
Hezekiah Holcomb, 
Joseph Cornish, 
Orrin Lee, 

Ferdinand Clemmons, 
Appleton Robbins, 
Appleton Robbins, 
Orrin Lee, 
Pliny Hillyer, 
Joseph Cornish, 
Appleton Robbins, 
Joshua R. Jewitt, 
Apoilos G. Hillyer, # 
Orrin Lee, 
Sadoce Wilcox, 
Joel Holcomb, 



' Until 1795, the town was allowed but one representative. 



162 



APPENDIX. 





MAY SESSION. 




OCTOBER SESSIOPr. 


1816 Joab Griffin Jr., 




Joab Griffin Jr., 




Joel Holcomb, 




James Forward, 


1817 Benajah Holcomb 2d., 




Horace Clark, 




Orrin Lee, 




Philetus Cooley, 


1818 Sadoce Wilcox, 




Benajah Holcomb 2d, 




Joseph Pinney, 




John Willey. 




After ISIS, the October Sessions 


were discontinued. 


1819 


Orrin Lee, 


1820 


Joel Holcomb, 




Nahum Holcomb, 




Benoni Gillett, 


1821 


Henry Pratt, 


1822 


Appleton Robbins, 




Alpheus Hayes, 




Daniel Hayes Jr., 


1823 


Alpheus Hayes, 


1824 


Joel Holcomb, 




Hezekiah Griswold, 




Sadoce Wilcox, 


1825 


Elizur Benjamin, 


1826 


Alpheus Hayes, 




James 0. Pond, 




Oliver Alderman, 


1827 


Daniel Benjamin, 


1828 


Jonathan Church, 




David Latham, 




Charles T. Hillyer, 


1829 


Levi Rice, 


1830 


Abner Case, 




Horace Clark, 




Charles T. Hillyer, 


1831 


Philetus Cooley, 


1832 


Nathaniel Pratt, 




Alexander H. Griswold, 




Alexander H. Griswold, 


1833 


Justus D. Wilcox, 


1834 


Nathaniel Pratt, 




Oliver Alderman, 




David Latham, 


1835 


Anson L. Holcomb, 


1836 


Ezekiel Alderman, 




Horace Clark, 




Joel C. Holcomb, 


1837 


Thomas G. Holcomb, 


1838 


Thomas G. Holcomb, 




Horatio N. Case, 




Ansel N. Holcomb, 


1839 


Sereno Holcomb, 


1840 


William Ruick, 




Elihu Griswold, 




Daniel C. Hayes, 


1841 


Ezekiel Alderman, 


1842 


Lyman WiUcox, 




Edmund Holcomb, 




Horatio N. Case, 


1843 


Eratus Holcomb, 


1844 


Stephen W Cornwall, 




Elmore Clark, 




Charles Holcomb, 2d. 



LIST OF REPRESENTATIVES— CANTON. 





MAY SESSION. 




OCTOBER SESSION. 


1806 
1807 


Riverius Bidwell, 




George Humphrey, 
George Humphrey, 


1808 


Riverius Bidwell, 




James Humphrey, 


1809 


Riverius Bidwell, 




Ezra Adams, 


1810 


Solomon Everest, 




Riverius Bidwell, 


18U 


James Humplirey, 




George Humphrey, 


1812 
1813 
1814 


Frederick Humphrey, 
George Humphrey, 
Jedediah Wilcox, 




James Humphrey, 
James Humphrey, 
Darius Moses, 


1815 
1816 


James Humphrey, 
James Humphrey, 




Joseph Dyer, 
Ezra Adams Jr., 


1817 

1818 


William Stone, 
Darius Moses, 




James Humphrey, 
William Stone. 




After 18\S, the October Sessions 


were discontinued. 


1819 Thomas Bidwell, 


1820 


Ephraim Mills, 


1821 Alvin Humphrey, 
1823 Jasper Bidwell, 


1822 
1824 


James Humphrey, 
Loin Humphrey, 


1825 E! 


zra Adams Jr., 


1826 


Ephraim Mills, 


1827 Abiel Brown. 


1828 


Elisha Sugden, 


1829 Lorin Humphrey, 


1830 


Ezra Adams Jr., 



APPENDIX 



163 



1831 William H. Hallock, 

1833 Theodore Pettibone, 

1835 Noah R. L. Bristol, 

1837 Joseph Daily, 

1839 Ephraim Mills, 

1841 William H. Hallock, 

1843 Chauncey Moses, 



1832 


Ezra Adams Jr., 


1^34 


Samuel W. Collins, 


1836 


Lancel Foote, 


1838 


Giles Brainard, 


1840 


Solomon Hosford, 


1842 




1844 


Thomas H. Wells. 



Appendix H. 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.— SIMSBURY. 



The office of Justice of the Peace was first instituted in this state in 1 698 ; — 
anterior to that time, those in commission of the peace were styled Commis- 
sioners. In 1672, Capt. Benjamin Newberry, of Windsor, was appointed 
Commissioner for Windsor and Simsbury, and was continued Commissioner 
for Simsbury until 1691, when John Hitjiey was appointed. Mr. Higley con- 
tinued in this olhce until his appointment as Justice ol the Peace in 1G98. 



JUSTICE8 OF THE PEACE.* 



Appointed- When last appointed. 


Appointed. When last appointed. 


1698 


John Higley,t 
Samuel Humphrey, 


1712 
1724 


1785 
1785 


Lemuel Roberts. 


1787 


1712 


Elisha Graham, 


1788 


1724 


Samuel Humphrey, sor 


lOf 


1789 


Reuben Humphreys, 


1804 




John Humphrey, or 2d. 


1791 


Moses Case, 


1794 


1725 


Joseph Phelps, 


1730 


1798 


George Humphreys, 


1813 


1727 


Benjamin Adams, 


1730 


1798 


Ezra Adams, 


1820 


No justices appointed in 173C 


», 1731, 


, 1798 


Noah A. Phelps, 


1801 


1732," 


in consequence, probably 


, of the 1802 


Solomon Everest, 


1821 


meeti 


ng-house controversy. 




1805 


Calvin Barber, 




1733 


Joseph Phelps, 


1749 


1806 


Campbell Humphreys, 


1818 


1735 


John Humphrey, { 


1760 


1807 


John Bestor, 


1819 


1739 


Samuel Griswold, 


1742 


1810 


William Mather, 


1834 


1742 


Joseph Wilcox, 


1760 


1814 


Timothy Goodwin, 


1818 


17.55 


John Owen, 


1782 


1814 


Benjamin Ely, 


1817 


1760 


udah Holcomb, 


1787 


1817 


Elisha Phelps, 




1760 


Hezekiah Humphrey, 


1781 


1818 


Asaph TuUer, 




1760 


Jonathan Pettibone, 


1776 


1819 


James Goodwin, 




1770 


Oliver Humphrey, 


1792 


1822 


Joseph Pinney, 




1776 


Asahel Holcomb, 


1804 


1822 


John 0. Pettibone, 




1778 


Daniel Humphrey, 


1805 


1824 


Alexander Holcomb, 




1779 


Noah Phelps, 


1797 


1825 


James Cornish, 




1780 


Ozias Pettibone, 


1812 


1825 


Frederick W. Jewett, 




1783 


Dudley Pettibone, 


1809 


1826 


Dudley Humphreys, 





* The lists of Justices of the Peace, up to 1838, are compiled f-om the State Records, and 
are presumed to he correct ; — after 1838 they are taken from Green's Reeister, and may not 
be entirely so. The termination of otlico of those appointed after 1818 is omitted; and the 
time of the first appointment only, of all such, is inserted; — many of this class, it is well 
known, were occaiionally left out of office, and afterwards re-instated. 

t Appointed of the Quorum, or Associate Judge of the County Court, in 1710. 

\ Appointed of the Quorum from 1755 to 17C0 inclusive. 



164 



APPENDIX, 



Appointed. 

1829 Lewis Dickinson, 
Zelotes Phelps, 
Ambrose Adams, 
William Mitchelson, 

1831 Moses Ensign, 
Abel Adams. 

1834 Aurora Case, 
Chauncey Eno, 
Lott Pinney, 
Dositheus Humphreys, 
Allen Pinney, 
Elijah St. John, 

1835 Shubael S. Hoskins, 
Whitino; Shepard, 
Guy R. Phelps, 

lS3fi Henry Ely, 

Everett Wilicox 

1837 Jeffery O. Phelps, 
Jay li. Filley,' 

1838 Richard Bacon, 



Appointed. 

1S3S George W. Sanford, 
Mamre Case, 

1839 Rockwell Hoskins, 
Benoni B. Bacon, 
Norton Hoskins, 

1840 Ariel Mitchelson, Jun. 
Martin Sexton, 
Julius Chapman, 
Hezekiah S. Case, 

1841 Ashbel Moses, 

1842 Hector F. Phelps, 
Elihu H. Case, 
James W. Adams, 
Daniel F. Olcott, 
Justin A. Bradley, 
Giles Pettibone, 

1843 Nathan Moses, 
Phelps Barnard, 

1844 George Cornish, 
J. Turnbull. 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE— GRANBY. 
(Incorporated Oct. 1786.) 



Appointed. Wlien last appointed. 

1787 Asahel Holcomb, 1804 
Ozias Pettibone, 1812 

1788 Jadah Holcomb, Jun. 1814 

1791 Phny Hillyer,* 1817 

1792 Andrew Hillyer, 1817 
Joseph Forward, 1797 

1794 Hezekiah Holcomb Jun. 1819 
1799 John Curtiss, 1800 

Timothy Clark, 
1802 Joseph Cornish, 1819 

1805 Nathaniel Pratt, 1817 

1807 Caleb Merriman, 1817 

Asa Hayes, 1818 

1818 Joab Griffin, 

Joel Holcomb, 

James Dibble, 

Daniel Benjamin, 
1820 Horace Clark, 

James Forward, 

Daniel B. Holcomb, 

1825 John Willey, 

1826 Hiram R. Pettibone, 

1827 Alexander Holcomb, 

1829 Nathaniel Pratt, 
Joseph Cornish Jun. 

1830 Anson Bates, 
Abner Case, 

1831 Charles T. Hillyer, 
Daniel Hayes, 

1832 Oliver Alderman, 
Jonathan Church, 
Cullen Hayes, 
Joshua Kendall, 



Appointed. 

1834 Philetus Cooley, 
Joel Clark, 
Silas Cone, 
Joshua R. Jewett, 

1835 Edmund Thompson, 
Grove Griswold, 
Justus D. Wilicox, 

1836 Edmund Holcomb, 
Anson N. Holcomb, 

1837 Milo A. Holcomb, 

1838 Truman Allen, 
Stephen W. Cornwall, 

1839 Justus R. Stevens, 

1840 Anson Cooley, 
Abram Flolcomb, 
Mourton Cornish, 
Lemuel C. Holcomb, 
Samuel Benjamin, Jun. 

1841 WiUard Griffin, 
Samuel Weed, 

1842 Sereno Holcomb, 
Edward Hayes, 
Asa Higley, 
Ardon B. Bolcomb, 
Milo M. Owen, 
Horace Kendall, 
Daniel Holcomb, 

1843 Almon Gillett, 
Richard H. Phelps, 

1814 John Viets, 

Harvey Alderman, 
Fdw^'-d Blakeslee. 



Appointed Associate Judge of tlie County Court in 1793. 



APPENDIX. 
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE-CANTON. 



165 



Appointed. When last 

1806 Ezra Adams, 

George Humphrey, 
Solomon Everest, 
Riverius Bidwell, 
James Humphreys, 
Jasper Bidwell, 
William Stone, 
Jedediah Wilcox, 
Jared Mills, 
Benjamin Weed, Jun. 
Jared Mills, Jun. 
Elisha Case, 
Decius Humphreys, 
Luther Higley, 
Isaac Mills, 
William H. Hallock, 
Ephraim Mills, 
Havvey Case, 
Loin Humphreys, 
Samuel W. Collins, 
Theodore Pettibone, 
Sherman Osborne, 
Henry Nash, 
Abial Brown, 
Joseph Daily, 
AusinN. Humphreys, 
Ruggles Case, 
Daniel H. Morgan, 

1836 Elisha K. Root, 



1807 
1812 
1815 

1817 
1818 
18iy 
1821 

1822 
1825 



1827 
1S30 

1831 

1832 
1834 



1835 



appointed. Appointed. 

1820 1836 Ansel Humphreys, 
1813 1837 NoadiahCase, 

1821 Jesse L. Barber, 
1812 1838 Benadom W. Casson, 
1831 Solomon Hosford, 
1818 Lancel Foote, 

1817 1840 Simeon Wood, 

1818 Thomas Wells, 
Benjamin Adams, 
Samuel Barber, 
John W. Hayes, 
Jarvis Case, 
Israel W. Graham, 
Edmund Case, 
Simeon Woodruff, 
Joim W. Hager, 
Henry A. Shepard, 
Pomeroy Higley, 
Dwight Humphrey, 
N. L. Peck, 
John Case, 
Benjamin Wingate, 
Noah R. L. Bri'stol, 
ImriL. Spencer, 
T. FI. Austin, 
Horatio N. Goodwin, 
Upson B. Chapm, 
Samuel V. Woodbridge. 



1841 



1842 



1843 
1844 



Appendix I. 



TOWN CLERKS-SIMSBURY. 

It is supposed that John Terry was the first Town Clerk, appointed in 1670. 
The records were burnt within eight or ten years after this time. 



John Slater, 
John Slater, Jun. 
John Humphrey, 
Nathaniel Holcomb, 
John Humphrey, Jun. 
John Owen, 
Benjamin Farnham, 



Judah Holcomb, Jun. 
Asa Haines, 
Daniel Hayes, Jun. 
Hiram R. Pettibone, 
Thomas Holcomb, 



Appointed. 
about 1680 , 
1712 
1717 
1720 
1732 

. 1756_ 
1783 



Noah A. Phelps, 
Dudley Pettibone, 
Amaziah Humphrey, 
Benjamin Ely, 
Jonathan Pettibone, 
Moses Ensign, 



TOWN CLERKS— GRANBY. 



Appointed. 
1786 

ia7 

1825 
1829 

15 



James Lewis, 
Ardon B. Holcomb, 
James Lewis, 
Ardon B. Holcomb, 



Apptinted. 
1796 
1800 
1805 
1809 
1818 
1824 



Appointed. 
1832 
1839 
1840 
1841 



166 APPENDIX. 

TOWJN CLERKS-CANTON, 





Appointed. 




Appointed. 


James Humphrey, 


180(> 


Epliraim Mills, 


1843 


William H. Hallock, 


1829 


Lancel Foote, 


1844 



EXTRACTS 

From the Town and Society Records or Simsbury. 

" On a training day, November 29, 168G, Peter Buell was chosen by the 
Trainband of Simsbury their Sergant — he had twenty-three votes, and so was 
orderly proclaimed by the chief military oificer sergant of the Ti-ainband of 
Simsbury." 

" December 29, 1687 — Voted by the inhabitants of Simsbury to allow Peter 
Buell for his Deputyship and expenses, twenty shillings." 

" Propounded to the Towne by jVlajor Talcott, June 27, 1687, at a General 
Towne metting of the Inhabitants of Simsbury. 

All you that are heartily, and really and affectionately desirous to give Mr. 
Edward Tompson that is now come up amongst you, to give him an Invitation 
to come here amongst you in this plantation of Simsbury, and to carry on the 
work of ye Ministry in this place, manifest it by the lifting up of your hands. 
The above written was unanimously votted according as it was propounded 
and put to vote." 

" Elizabeth Mills the wife of James Mills, you being now resident at your 
son's John Matson's, these presents are to warrant you and admonish you to 
depart out of the bounds and limits of the township of Simsbury forthwith, as 
you will answer the contrary, and you may not any longer reside here; and 
now do warn you to seek some other place lor your residence, and pray you tak 
notice of this our warning who are the townesnien of Simsbury. Dated March 
3, 1695-G." Signed by the Selectmen. 

1701 Dec. 17. " Whereas the Towne of Simsbury being greatly damnified 
by Persons thrusting themselves into our towne which proves greatly to the 
Damage of the Towne ; for ye prevention thereof, this towne do order therefore 
for the future: no Persons shall croud and thrust themselves into our Towne 
to reside there above one moneth without liberty first obtained from the said 
towne or Townsmen upon the forfeiture of twenty shillings to the Towne." 

In Dec. 1701, John Slater Sen. was employed as school master for the town 
"to teach sucli of said towne children as are sent, to read, writ, and to cypher, 
or to say the rules of Arithmatick as are capable and designed by their parants 
to learn Arithmatick " The school was to be kept at two places, the Plain and 
Weatague, three months at each. The pay allowed him was forty shillings a 
month. The above quotation is made froin records kept by this same school 
master. 

" Joseph Trombal, son of Joseph Trombal of Suffield, was married to Han- 
nah Higley, the daughter of Capt. John Higley of Simsbiuy, August 31, 1704." 
The groom and bride were the parents of the first Governor Trumbull. 

" Sarah Slater first daughter of Elias and Sarah Slater was born febunry the 
sixth day 1716-17, which was Wensday, 11 aclok at night, and baptised the 
lOih day, — the 16 day thare apeared an uper fore toot, (tooth,) the 19th day at 
one of the clok after noon, it came quite out." 



APPENDIX. 167 

For many years the town allowed a bounty for killing wolves of fifteen 
shillings a head. The first item in the first book of the town records relates to 
this subject. 

" On the 14th of January 1718, two men Ephraim Buell and John Barber his 
son in law, went to the west mountain to hunt horses, where they perished. 
The snow was deep, and tlie weather extremely cold and stormy. Then- bodies 
were found and brought back on the 17th of January." 

1718. " The town agreed with Steven Pettibone to sweep the meeting house 
for 15 shillings, he likewise is to dig the graves, also to prepare and carry water 
to the meeting house for the baptism of children." 

" 1710, Feb. 28. The Town order a-nd agree that John Drak shall make 
Coffins four our Towns p^eople." 

1734-5, January. The town voted that the funds remaining in the town 
treasury after payment of debts, should be laid out for the instruction of children 
in reading and writing. This appears to be the first appropriation from the 
treasury of money for this object. 

1731, Jan. 1. The town voted to divide into two societies, the east side of 
the river to be one society, and the west side as far north as Higley's settlement 
the other. The meeting house for the east society was to be placed at " Wads- 
worth's bush," north of mile swamp. 

1741, Dec. It was voted that any orthodox minister who has a right to 
preach the gospel, may upon the desire of any considerable number of persons, 
with the consent of two of the Society's Committee, " have liberty to preach in 
the meeting house on any day, not disturbing any other religious meeting other- 
w^ise orderly established." At a subsequent meeting " popis/i priests" were 
excluded from this license. 

1752. " Voted that the committee now chosen for seaters, shall dignify the 
pews and seats in this meeting house as they think fit." 

" April 7, A. D. 1757. Brewster Higley the 3d, son of Brewster Higley the 
2d, and Esther Owen, daughter of John Owen and Esther his wife, were joined 
in marriage by John Humphrey Esq. 

Their grandfather's name is Brewster Higley, and grandmother's name is 
Esther. Their father's name i« BrewsterHigley, and mother's name is Esther, — 
so that there are three generations from grandfather, and grandmother, down to 
grandson and granddaughter, all of one name for male, and one name for 
female; — three generations all living ! May the divine blessing rest on them 
and tiieirs to the latest posterity !" 

This record is in the hand writing of John Owen Esq. then Town Clerk, 

1773. April. " Voted to sing on the Lord's days in the afternoon according 
to the rules taught in the Singing Schools in this and the neighboring societies." 

Soon after tliis, a teacher of music was employed. After practising some 
time, he appeared with his scholars in church on a Sunday, and the minister 
having announced the psalm, the choir, under the instructor's lead, started off 
sv'ith a tune much more lively than the congregation had been accustomed to 
hear. Upon which, one of the Deacons, Brewster Higley, took his hat and 
left the house, — exclaiming, as he passed down the aisle, — '^popery ! popery i" 

1781. " Voted that the Society desire Mess'rs Theodore Hillyer, Elisha 
Cornish Jun. and Job Case Jun. to assist in tuning the Psalms on Lords 
days &c." 

1734. " Voted to allow the singers as much of the front seats around the 
galleries as they shall want." 

178(), "Voted and chose the two deacons of the church to be the persons to 
publish the intention of marriage between the parties," 



168 APPENDIX. 

REGISTER, 

Of Marriages, Births and Deaths, in the families of the first settlers in 
Simsbury. 

This Register is compiled chiefly from an old manuscript laook, in the pos- 
session of James Loomis, Esq. of Windsor, " made out May 18, 1674,'' from an 
older book tlien stated to be full ; to which additions were made, during a few 
years, after 1674. These books unquestionably contain the records kept of 
these events, by the several clergymen who officiated at Wmdsor, during their 
occurrence. The one, from which these extracts are made, is in a mutilated 
condition, and in many places, illegible. It does not of course contain the births 
of children born before their parents removed to Windsor, nor, generally, after 
they settled in Simsbury. 

In compiling this Register, a considerable amount of matter, in addition- to 
the above, has been derived from the state records, and from the town records 
of Windsor and Simsbury. It is not claimed that this account is perfect, or 
that it can be made so. But the design has been to include in it all that has 
been discovered relating to the subject as connected v.^ith the early inhabitants 
of Simsbury. Where names or dates are wanting, they were so in the origin- 
als from which the copies are made. 

Edward Adams, married Elizabeth Buckland May 2.5, 1660. 

His daughter Mary, born August 28, 1671. 

Thomas Barber, married -^-^ Oct. 7, 1640. 

John, baptized July 24, 1642. Samuel, baptized Oct. 1, 1648. 

Thomas, born July 14, 1644. Mary, " Oct. 12, 1651. 

Sarah, baptized July 19, 1646. Josiah, born Feb. 15, 1653. 

John Barber, married Betsheba September — 

Joanna, born April 8, 1667. John, born July 14, 1669. 

Thomas Barber, married Mary Phelps, Dec. 13, 

Mary, born January 11, . Sarah, born July 12, 1669. 

Samuel Barber, married Mary — =- ^ ' 

Thomas, born Oct. 7, 1671. Samuel, born Jan. 26, 1673. 

He married a second wife, the daughter of John Drake. 
His daughter Hannah, born Oct. 4, 1681. 

Josiah Barber, married Abigail, daughter of Nathaniel Loomis, Nov. 
22, 1677. 
Abigail, born March 12, 1678. 

William Buell, married , November 18, 1640. 

Samuel, born Sept. 2, 1641. Hepzibah, born Dec. 11, 1649. 

Peter, born Aug. 19, 1644. Sarah, born May 21, 1653. 

Mary, born Sept. 3, 1642. Abigail, born Feb. 12, 1655. 

Hannah, born Jan. 8, 1646. 

Samuel Bucll, married Deborah Griswold Nov. 13, 1662. 
His son Samuel, born July 20, 1663. 
He settled in Killingworth. 

John Case, married Sarah Spencer, and lived in Windsor until about 1669, 
when he settled in Simsbury, at Weatauge — he died Feb. 21. 1704. 
Mary, born June 22, 1660. Sarah, born Aug. 14, 1676. 

John, born Nov. 5, 1662. Elizabeth, 

William, born June 5, 1665. Abigail, 

Samuel, born June 1, 1667. Bartholomew, "" 

Richard, born Aug. 27, 1669. Joseph. 

Richard Case resided at East Hartford, and afterwards, it is supposed, 
removed to Simsbury, though this is uncertain. His wife was Elizabeth 
Purchase, daughter of John Purchase, one of the first settlers of Hartford. 
He died March 30, 1694. His children were, Richard; John, and Mary. 
He 'is supposed to have been a brother of John Case, Mary married 
Joseph Phelps. 



APPENDIX. 169 

James Eno, married to Anna Bidwell August 18, 1G48. 

Sarah, born June 15, 16-19. John, born Dec. 2, 1654. 

James, born Oct. 30, 1651. 

His wife died Oct. 7, 1679. 
James Eno married Abigail, daughter of Samuel Bissell, Dec. 26, 1678. 
His son James born Sept. 93, 1679. His wife died Oct. 7, 1679, and 
he married Hester, widow of James Eggleston, April 29, 1680. 

Wji.liam Fit^LEY, and Margaret his wife, married Sept. 2, 1642. 

Samuel, born Sept. 24, 1643. William, born March 7, 1665. 

John, born Dec. 15, 1645. 

He had alsofour daughters. 

Samuel Fillcy, married Ann Giilet, Oct. 29, 1663. 
He had tour daughters, and sons, 
Samuel, born Aug. 2, 1670, who Samuel, born March 7, 1673. 

died early. Josiah, born Jan. 21, 1675. 

Jonathan, born Nov. 30, 1672. John, born Feb. 10, 1677. 

Edward Griswold, born in IG07, — married young. 

Ann, baptized June 19, 1642. Joseph, baptized March 12, 1647. 

Mary, " Oct. 13, 1644, mar- Samuel, baptized Nov. 18, 1649. 

ried Timothy Phelps. John, baptized Aug. 1, 1652, set- 
Deborah, baptized June 28, 1646; tied in Killing worth. 

married Samuel Buell, 1662, 

went toKillingworth. 

George Griswold, married Mary Holcomb, October 3. 
Daniel, born Oct. 1, 1656. John, born Sept. 17, 1668. 

Thomas, born Sept. 29. 1658. Benjamin, born Aug. 6, 1671. 

Edward, born May 19,' 1660. Deborah, born May 30, 1674. 

Mary, born Sept. 28, 1663. Abigail, born Oct. 31, 1676. 

George, born Dec. 3, 1665. 

Joseph Griswold, married Mary Gaylord, July 14, 1670. 
Mary, born March 16, 1670. Joseph, born Jan. 24, 1677. 

Thomas Dibble married . 



Israel, born August 29, 1637. Miriam, born Dec. 7, 1645. 

Ebenezer, born Sept. 26, 1641. Thomas, born Sept. 3, 1647. 

Hepzibah, born Dec. 25, 1642. Joanna, born 1650. 
Samuel, born March 24, 1643. 

Israel Dibble, married Elizabeth Hall, Nov. 28, 1661. 

Josias, born May 15, 1667. George, born Jan. 25, 1675. 

Thomas, born Sept. 16, 1670. John, born Aug. 8, 1678 — died 
Elizabeth, born March 27, 1673. Oct. 6. 

Ebene;:er Dibble, married Mary Wakefield, Oct. 27, 1GC3. 
He was slain by the Indians in 1675. 
Mary, born Dec. 24, 1664. John, born Feb. 9. 1673. 

Wakefield, born Sept. 15, 16(17. Ebenezer, born Autj. 18, 1671. 

Martha, born March 10, 166!)— 
dead. 

Samuel Dibble married Hepzibah Bartlett, Jan. 21, 16C8. 
Abigail, born Jan. 19, 1666, — by Joannah, born Oct. 24, 1672. 

former wife. Samuel, born April 13, l675,died. 

Hepzibah, born Dec. 19, 1669, — Samuel, born May 4, 1677. 

by this wife. Mindwell, born Feb. 17, 1680. 

Edward Chapman, married Elizabeth Fox, in England. 

Henry, birn here, July 4, 1663. Simon, born here, April 30, 1669. 

And si.x daughters, the youngest born May 24, 1675. 

He.vrv" CuRTi.ss, married Elizabeth Abel, May 13, 1645. 

Samuel, born April 2(;, 1649. Nathaniel, born Julv 15, 1651. 

15* 



170 APPENDIX. 

Samuel Forward, married Anne . He died in 1684, 

She died in 1685. 
Samuel, born July 23, 1671. Joseph, born Nov. 10, 1674. 

Jonathan Gillett. 

Anna, baptized, Dec. 29, 1639. Abigail, baptized June 28, 1646. 

Joseph, " July^, 1641. Jeremiah, " Feb. 12, 1647. 

Samuel, '" Jan. 22, 1642-3. Josiah, " July 14, 1650. 
John, » Oct. 5, 1644. 

Jonathan GilleU, Jr. married Mary Kelsey, April 23, 1661. She died 
April 18, 1676. Married Miriam Dibble, Dec. 14, 1676. 

Maiy, born October 21, 1667. Ebenezer, born Oct. 26, 1689, — 

Jonathan, born Feb, 18, 1670. dead. 

William, born Dec. 4, 1673. Samuel, Dec. 17, 1680. 

Thomas, born May 31, 1678 — dead. And two other daughters. 

Cornelius GilleU. 

Priscilla, born Jan. 23, 1659-60. Daniel, born June 30, 1678. 

Cornelius, born Dec. 15, 1665. And five other daughters. 

Joseph Gillett, married Elizabeth Hawkes in 1664. 
Joseph, born Nov. 2, 1664. Nathaniel, born May 4, 1673. 

Jonathan, born August 11, 1669. And three daughters. 

John, born June 10, 1671. 

John Gillett, married Mary Barber, July 8, 1669. 
John, born Aug. 6, 1673 — died Samuel, born Feb. 16, 1677-8. 

1699. Nathaniel, born Oct. 3, 1680. 

Thomas, born July 18, 1676. Mary, 1682-3. 

Nathan Gillett, removed to Simsbury — wife died 1670-1. 
Elizabeth, born Oct. 6, 1639. Nathan, born April 17, 1655. 

Elias, born .Tuly 1, 1649. And three other daughters. 

Benjamin, born Aug. 29, 1653. 

Josiah Gillett, married JoannahTaintor, June 30, 1676, 
Josiah, born Nov. 24, 1678. 

John Griffin, married Anna Bancraft, May 13, 1647. 

Hannah, born July 4, 1649. Abigail, born Nov. 13, 1660. 

Mary, born March 1, 1651. Mindwell, born Feb. 11, 16o2. 

Sarah, born Dec. 25, 1654. Ruth, born Jan. 21, 1665. 

John, born Oct. 20, 1656. Ephraim, born May 1, 1668. 

Thomas, born Oct. 3, 1658. Nathaniel, born May 31, 1673. 

Thomas Holcomb, died 1657. His widow, Elizabeth, married James Eno, 
1658. 
Abigail, born Jan. 6, 1638. Nathaniel, born Nov. 4, 1648. 

Joshua, born Sept. 27, 1640. Deborah, born Feb. 15, 1650. 

Sarah, born Aug. 14, 1642 — dead. Jonathan, born March 23, 1652 
Benajah, born June 23, 1644. — dead. 

Deborah, born Oct. 15, 1646— dead. 

Joshiui Holcomb, married Ruth Slanwood, June 4, 1663. 
Ruth, born May 26, 1664. Sarah, born June 23, 1668. 

Thomas, born March 30, 1666. 

Benajah Holcoinb, married Sarah Eno, April 11, 1677. 
Benajah, born Aug. 16, 1668. James, born Oct. 13, 1671. 

Nicholas Hayks, married , Jul)' 12, 1646. 

Samuel, born May 1, 1647. David, born April 22, 1651. 

Jonathan, born June 7, 1649. Daniel, born Aug. 10, 1653, dead. 

Michael Humphrey, married Priscilla Grant, Oct. 14, 1647. 

John, born June 7, 1650. Sarah, born March 6, 1658. 

Mary, born Oct. 24, 1653. Abigail, born March 23, 1665. 

Samuel, bbrn May 15, 1656. Hannah, born Oct. 21, 1669. 

Martha, born, Oct. 5, 1663. 



APPENDIX. 171 

John Moses, married Mary Brown, May 13, 1653. 

John, born June 15, 1654. Sarah, born Feb. 2, 1662. 

William, born Sept. 1, 1656. Margaret, born Dec. 2, 1666. 

Thomas, born Jan. 14, 1658. Mindwell, born Dec. 13, 1676, 

Mary, born May 13, 1661. 

Timothy Moses, born Feb. 1670. ) It is uncertain whether these are 
Manga Moses, born March 8, 1672. \ children of the above or not. 

John Owen, married Rebecca , Oct. 3, 1650. 

Josias, born Sept. 8, 1651. -Mary, born Dec. 5, 1662. 

John, born Nov. 5, 1652 — dead. (f Benjamin, born Sept. 20, 1664 — 

John, born April 23, 1654 — dead. dead. 

Nathaniel, born Aug, 9, 1656. Rebecca, born March 28, 1666. 

Daniel, born March 28, 1658. Obediah, born Dec. 12, 1668. 

Joseph, born Oct. 23, 1660. Isaac, born May 27, 1670. 

Josias Owen, married Mary Osborne, Oct. 22, 1674. 

Josias, born June 6, 1675. Mary, born Feb. 15, 1679. 
Isaac, born June 4, 1678. 

Humphrey Pinney, married in Dorchester-, Mary Hall. 

Samuel Pinney, born in Dor- Sarah, borTi Nov. 19, 1648. 

Chester. John, born Oct. 19, 1651. 

Nathan'l, born here, Dec. 1641. Abigail, born Nov. 26, 1654. 

Mary, born June 16, 1644. Isaac, born Feb. 24, 1663. 

Samuel Pinney, married >^"^/ '^" - Bissell, Nov. 17, 1^65. 
Mary, born June 16, 1667. ' Samuel, born Nov. 20, 1668. 

Nathaniel Pinney, married Sarah Phelps, widow, July 21, 1670. 
Nathaniel, born May 11, 1671. Sarah, born Oct. 11, 1673. 

Thomas Maskell, married Bethia Parsons, May 10, 1660. 

Thomas, born March 19, 1661-2 Thomas, born Jan. 2, 1665-6. 

—dead. John, born March 19, 1667-8. 

Abigail, born Nov. 2, 1663. Elizabeth, born Oct. 19, 1669. 

Simon Mills, married Mary Buell, Feb. 23, 1659-50. 

Two sons that died. 
Mary, born Dec. 8, 1662. Abigail, 1672. 

Simon, born May 1, 1667. Elizabeth, 1674. 

John, born Jan. 16ij8-9. Prudence, 1676. 

Sarah, born Sept. 16, 1670. Simon, 1678. 

Hannah, 1665. 
Deacon John Moore's children born in Windsor. 

Mindwell, born July 10, 1643. John, born Dec. 5, 1645. 

Deacon Moore died Sept. 18, 1677. 
John Moore, married Hannah GofFe, Sept. 21, 1664. 
John, born June 26, 1665. Edward, born March 2, 1674. 

Thomas, born July 25, 1667. Josias and Joseph, born July 5, 

Samuel, born Dec. 24, 1669. 1679. 

Nathaniel, born Sept. 20, 1672. 

Andreif Moore, married Sarah Phelps. 
Sarah, born Dec. 1672. Deborah, born May 31, 1677. 

Andrew, born Feb. 15, 1675. Jonathan, born Feb. 6, 1680. 

Samuel Marshall, married Mary Willson, May 6, 16.32. 

Samuel, born May 27, 1653. Thomas, born Feb. 18, 1()63. 

Lydia, born Feb. 18, 1655. Mary, born May 8, 1667. 

Thomas, born April 23, 1659 Eliakim, born July 10, 1669. 

— dead. John, born April 10, 1672. 

Daniel, born July 24, 1661. Elizabeth, born Sept. 27, 1674. 

. Anthony Hoskins, married Isabel Brown, July 16, 1656. 

Isabel, born May 16, 1657. Robert, born June 16, 16G2. 

John, born Oct. 14, 1659. Anthony, born March 19, 1661. 



1.72 APPENDIX. 

Rebecca, Dec. 3, 1668— dead. Thomas, born March 14, 1672. 

Grace, born July 26, 1666. Joseph, boni Feb. 28, 1674. 

Jane, bora April 30, 1671. 

'^ Thomas Hoskins, mai-ried Elizabeth Birge, widow, April 20. — (year oblit- 
erated. 
John, born May 29, 1654. 
Thomas Hoskins, died April 13, I66G. 
The Widow Hoskins died Dec. 22, 1675. 
John Hoskins, married Deborah Denslow, January 27, 1677. 
His daughter Deborah, born June i), 1679. 

John Hillyer's family. 

John, born June 3, 1637. Simon, born Dec. 25, 1648.— 

Mary, born Dec. 25, 1639. His son James, born January 

Timothy, born June 3, 1642. 2S, 1678. 

James, born Aug. 24, 1644 — Nathaniel, bora Jan. 1, 1650. 

married the widow of Eben- Sarah, born Aug. 25, 1652. 

ezer Dibble, June 28, 1677. Abigail, born Aug. 21, 1G54. 
Andrew, born Nov. 4, 1646. 
John Hillyer Sen. died July 16, 1655. 

Elizabeth, daughter oi' John Hillyer, born Dec. 8, 1680. 

Ann, " " May 8, 1677— dead. 

John Pettibone, married Sarah Eggleston, Feb. 16, 1 664, 

John, born June 15, 1665. Stephen, born Oct. 3, 1669. 

Sarah, born Sept. 24, 1667. 

Stephen Terry, married in Dorchester. 

Mary, born here, Dec. 31, 1635. Elizabeth, born Jan. 4, 1611. 

John, born March 6, 1637. Abigail, born Sept. 21, 1646. 

John Terry, married Elizabeth Wadsworth, Nov, 27, 1662. 
Elizabeth, born Dec. 16, 16(54. Rebecca, born Jan. 7, 1671 — 

Stephen, born Oct. 6, 1666. dead. 

Sarah, born Nov. 16, 1668. Mary, born July 19, 1673. 

John, born March 22, 1670— Solomon, born March 29, 1675. 

dead. Rebecca, born Feb. 27, 1676— 

dead. 

John Higley, married Hannah Drake, Nov. 9,' 1671. 

Jonathan, born Feb. 16, 1675. John, born March 16, 1673. 

*Hannah, born March 13, 1677. Rebecca, born Aug. 7, 1679. 

, William Phelps married in England. He died July 14, 1672, and his 
widow, Nov, 27, 1675, both at an advanced age.y He hadfpur children, 
born before he came to Windsor, viz. William, Samuel, Nathaniel and 
Joseph, and afterwards two others, Timothy, born Sept. 1, 1639, and 
Mary, March 3, 1644, who married Thomas Barber. 

William Phelps, married Isabel Willson, June 4, 1645. After her 

death, he married, Dec. 20, 1676, Sarah, daughter of Humphrey 

Pinney. He left no issue. 
' Sanvuel Phelps, married Sarah Griswold, Nov. 10, 1650, He died 

May 15, 1669. 
Samuel, baptized September 5, 16.52. 
Timothy, born Oct. 4656. Married Sarah Gaylord, Nov. 18, IGSO; for 

second wife, Sarah Pratt, Nov. 13, 1690 — he died 1712. 
Sarah, born May, 1654 — married John Mansfield, Dec. 13, 16S3, 
Mary, born Oct. 1658. 

William, born Nov. 1660 — married Hannah Hayden, Jan. 4, 1G9J. • 
John, born July 7, 1662 — died without issue. 



/, 



* Hannah was nianied to Joseph Trumbull, Aug. 31, 1704, and was the mother of the 
first Governor Trumbull. 



APPENDIX. 



173 



Ephraim, born Nov. 1, 1663— married Mary Joggers, May 11, 1G91— 

died Oct. 30, 1697. ^^ '/j Q^ S^OO 

Abigail, born May 16, 1666,X^>l.<tA- ^OVt^i-^ ^ <^^^* A *' ' *' 

Jpsiah, born Dec. 15, 1607— married Sarah Winchell, April 26, 1690. 
»/ J\''athaniel Phelps, married Elizabeth Copley, Sept. 1650. He 
^ removed to Northampton, and died there. 

Mary, born June 21, 1651. William, born June 22, 1657— 

Nathaniel, born April 2, 1653. born at Northampton. 

Abigail, born April 5, 1655. 

Timothy Phelps^, married Mary Griswold, May 19, 1661— he died 
in 1719. 
Timothy, born Nov. 1, 1663— married Martha Crow Nov. 4, 1686- 

died Sept. 2S, 1689. 
Joseph,* born Sept. 27, 1666— married Sarah Hosford Nov. 18, 1686— 
died in 1716. ^ j- . 

William, born Feb. 4, 1668. Sarah, born Dec. 27, 16 /9— died 

Cornelius, born April 26, 1671. without issue. 

Mary, born Aug. 14, 1673— died Abigail, born June 5, 1682. 

March 23, 1690. Hannah, born Aug. 4, 1684. 

Samuel, born Jan. 29, 1675. Ann, born Oct. 2, 1686. 

Nathaniel, born Jan. 27, 1677. Martha, born Nov. 12, 1688. 

Joseph Phelps, married Hannah Newton, Sept. 20, 1660— he died at 
Simsbury in 1684. 
Joseph, born Aug. 27, 1667. Sarah, married John Hiii, ot 

Hannah, born Feb. 2, 1669— Simsbury. 

died unmarried. William, died Oct. S, 1 689, under 

Timothy, age. 

Timothy Phelps lived atPoquonock in 1703— he afterwards removed 
to Simsbury, where he had two daughters, Rachel, born March 
18, 1709, Mary, July 7, 1711, and Timothy, who died May 27, 
1737, and perhaps other children. 
Joseph Phelps., son of the above, married Mary Collier, of Hartford, 
by'whom he had, — 
Joseph, born Oct. 9. 1689, who settled at Turkey Hills. 
^Hannah, born Oct. 25, 1693— married Samuel Humphry Feb. 23, 1710. 
She died before her father, leaving one child, Samuel, born Oct. 
16, 1710. 
Mary, born Oct. 17, 1696 — died Jan. 9, 1713, unmarried. 
His first wife died in 1697. His second wife was Sarah, daughter of John 
Case, whom he married Nov. 9, 1699. She died May 2, 1704. Then- 
children were, — 
Sarah, born Aug. 11, 1700— died June 14, 1714. 
Damaris, born March 5, 1703— married John Mills, April 7, 1720. 
His third wife was Mary, daughter of Richard Case, by whom he had— 
Elizabeth, born April 7, 1709— married Daniel Hoskins, July 23, 1725. 
John, born Feb. 14, 1707— died Jan. 5, 1713. 
Amos, — married Sarah Pettibone, July 1,1723. 
David, — married Abigail Pettibone, April 25, 1731.-'" 
He died Jan. 20, 17-50, aged S3— his widow, Sept. 10, 1757. 
The children of the last above named Joseph, (who resided at Turkey 
Hills) by his first wife, Rebecca North of Farmington, were Joseph, 
born Oct. IS, 1716, and Hannah, born June 7, 1717, who married 
Joel Harmon of Suffield. By a second wife he had— 
Elijah, born May 11, 1720. Elizabeth, born Nov. 27, 1726. 

Ezekiel, born March 8, 1 723. Abel, born May 22, 1730. ^- 

Lydia, born Sept. 10, 172S. Hezekiah, and Keziah, twins, 

Rebecca, born Jan. 22, 1724. born Feb. IS, 1732. 



* This .Joseph left cliildren— Joseph, Daniel, F.dward, John, Abel, Ichabod, Jonathan, 
Mary Sarah, and Abigail. He owned six hundred acres of land in Hebron, where, it 13 
believed, his son Joseph settled, and was the ancestor of tlie Phelps families in that town. 



174 APPENDIX. 

The children of Amos, were John, born Jan. 20, 1724^Sarah, Jan. 23, 
1729— Timothy, April 11, 17.38— Dorothy, Aug. 8, 1731. 
John Phelps married Thanks Willcox, June 15, 1741. 
Thanks, born Dec. 11, 1742. Darius, born Oct. 15, 1752. 

John, born Feb. 5, 1745. Sarah, born Aug. 12, 1751. 

Martha, born Aug. 14, 1747. Jedediah. born May 12, 1750. 

Amos, born March 31, 1750. 

The children o{ David, were — 
David, born March 2(3, 1733. Ruth, born Sept. 15, 1743. 

Elisha, boi-n Oct. 17, 1737. Sarah, born Oct. 15, 1745. 

Noah, born Jan. 22, 1740. Susanna, born Jan. 4, 1T4S. 

Abigail, born Nov, 5, 1735. Lois, born March 27, 1750. ~ 

Rachel, born Dec. 11, 1741. 
He died of the small pox, Dec. 9, 1760 — his widow married deacon 
/ David Strong of Bolton, Jan, 1, 1772. 

<AL George Phelps, (who, it is supposed, was brother of the first William 
^ Phelps,) married a daughter of Philip Randall. She died Aug. 29, 164S. 
Isaac, born Aug. 2G, 1638. Joseph, born June 24, 1647. 
Abraham, born Jan. 22, 1642. 
** His second wife was F'rances, widow of Thomas Dewey, whom he mar- 
ried Nov. 30, 1648. 
Jacob, born Feb, 7, 1649. Nathaniel born Dec. 9, 1654. 

John, born Feb. 15, 1651. 
^He removed to Westfield,' and died there, July 9, 1678. 
His son Isaac married Ann Gaylord, May 11, 1662. 

Isaac, born Sept. 10, 1666 — married Mary Maudsley Dec. 17, 1690 — 

lived in Westfield. 
Sarah, born 1,760, and John born in 1673. 
V' ^iraAam, married Mary Pinney, July 6, 1663. He resided it is 
supposed in East Windsor. He died Jan. 28, 1728, aged 85, 
and his wife July 2, 1725, aged 81. 
Abraham, born March 6, 1666— died in 1732. 
Isaac, born Aug. 5, 1673— died Jan. 4, 1703. 
Benjamin, born Oct. 1, 1683. 
^ Joseph, married Mary Porter, June 26, 1673 — she died Jan. 16, 1682. 
Mary, born Jan. 13, 1674. Sarah, born April 4, 1677. 

Joseph, born Dec. 30, 1678 — married Abigail Bissell Nov. 26, 1702. 

He married a second wife, Hester , and died in 1695. 

Hannah born in 1680— Mindwell, 1682- Hester, 1693— Benoni, 1695. 

.Sergeant Samuel. Willcoxson-, (Willcox) was an early settler. He resi- 
ded at Meadow plain, and died March 12, 1713. He removed from 
Hartford. He left, it is supposed, three sons, Samuel, William and 
Joseph. Samuel had Joseph, born Aug. 1701, and Ephraim, Feb. 4 
1707, and perhaps other children. 

William, married Elizabeth Willson, by whom he had John, Wil- 
liam, Amis^, and Azariah, born July 27, 1700. William w;is a 
deacon in the church, and was living in 1770. Amos married 
Joanna Hillyer, Nov. 6, 1725. His widow married a Mr. Bishop, 
and died at about one hundred years of age. Their children were, 

Amos, born May 15, 1729. Elijah, born Sept. 25, 1713. 

Ruth, born Jan. 10, 1733. Lucy, — married Ariel Lawrence. 

Ezekiel, born June 10, 1735. Esther. 

Joanna, born May 26, 1740. James, born Feb. 10, 1751. 

Joseph, had Joseph, born Feb. 9, 1705, and perhaps other children. 
He settled at Westover's plain. Some of his descendants, it is sup- 
posed, settled at Salmon brook. Joseph and Ephraim Willcox 
were taxed there in 1731. 



APPENDIX. 175 

Jamks Cornish settled at Northampton, and was the first schoolmaster in 
that town. He afterwards removed to Westfield, and, about 1667, was ap- 
pointed Clerk of the courts in Hampshire county, by Sir Edmond Andross. 
Shortly afterwards, when the government of Massachusetts was resumed 
under the Charter, he was left out of office, but the court applauded his good 
services, and recommended him to public favor. It is understood that he 
afterwards removed to Windsor — whether he died there, or in Simsbury, is 
not known. There was a James Cornish, and Gabriel Cornish, in Windsor, 
in 1676. James Cornish, son, as supposed, of the above, settled in Simsbury 
about 1695. He was taxed here in 1699, and was deacon of the church in 
1715. 

James Eno, and George Hayes, were taxed in 1700 ; and in 1701, Benjamin 
Dibble, David Buttolph, Andrew Robe, Jacob Reed and Peter Rice. 

The name of Tuller does not appear until about 1690. The first of the 
name, John Tuller, then spelt TuUor, resided near the south line of the town 
on the east side of the river. 

The family of Latimer became inhabitants still later — they removed from 
Wethersfield. The first Isaac Ensign, whose widow is now living, was a 
native of Hartford ; and the late Elijah St. John, it is understood, removed 
from Fairfield County. The Williston and Bestor families came from Suf- 
field, and the Mather family from Farmington. Thomas Bacon was taxed 
here in 1694, but he was not among the first settlers. The name was then 
spelt, on the records, Backon. The Goodwins were not among the first set- 
tlers. They are descended from William Goodwin, of Hartford, who was 
born 1629, and died 16S9. William was son of Ozias Goodwin, who^was one 
of the first settlers of Hartford. The Westover family has become extinct in 
this town. The first of the name, in the town, was Jonathan, who settled 
here about 1690. He was a man of wealth and considerable influence. The 
ancestors of the Grimes and Vining families removed here about eighty years 
ago. 

The Andruss family came here more than one hundred years since. When 
the wife of Mr. Butler Andruss was born, over seventy years since, she had 
living in the female line, in regular succession, four ancestors, all bearing 
the same christian name — viz. — Mrs. Joanna Hillyer of Granby ; Mrs. Joanna 
Bishop, whose first husband was Amos Willcox ; Mrs. Joanna Case, wife of 
Job Case; and Mrs. Joanna Case, wife of Israel Case. Report says they all 
assembled to see the infant, whose name was also Joanna ! — thus making a 
bevy representing five successive gefierations, all present at the same time, 
and bearing the same name ! Mrs. Hillyer, the eldest, was then upwards of 
ninety years old. Of this group, Mrs. Andruss is now the only survivor. 



176 



APPENDIX. 



STATISTICS 



CENSUS OF CONNECTICUT, IN 1756. 

Counties. Whites. _ Negroes. Ind's. Counties. Whites. Negroes. Ind's. 

Hartford, 35,714 854 Fairfield, 19,849 711 

New Haven, 17,955 226 Windham, 19,069 345 

New London, 22,015 829 617 Litchfield, 11,773 54 

Total, 126,975 3,019 617 

Whites. Negroes. 

Hartford, then Including East Hartford and Manchester, 2,926 101 

Wethersfield, then including Glastenbury and Rockyhill, 2,374 109 

Windsor, then including East Windsor and Bloomfield, 4,170 50 
Farmington, then including Southington, Bristol, Burlington, 

and part of Berlin, 3,595 112 
The number of rlndians was not correctly returned. There were some, at 
^his time, in every County in the State. 



CENSUS IN 1774. 



Counties. Whites. 

Hartford, 50,679 

New Haven, 25,896 
New London. 31, .542 



Blacks. Indians. Counties. Whites. 

1,093 122 Fairfield, 28,936 

854 71 Windham, 27,494 

1,194 842 Litchfield, 26,845 



Total, 



Blacks. 


Indians. 


1,153 


61 


476 


158 


331 


109 



191,392 5,101 1,363 



CENSUS OF SIMSBURY, GRANBY, AND CANTON, AT DIFFERENT 

PERIODS. 

Years. 1756 1774 1782 1790 1800 1810 1820 1830 1840 

Simsbury, 2245 3700 4664 2576 2956 1966 1954 2251 1895* 

Granby, 2595 2735 2696 3012 2733t 2611 , 

Canton, 1374 1322 1437 1736 

Total, 2245 3700 4064 5171 5691 0036 62S8 6421 6242 

* This decrease, it is supposed, was occasioned by a partial cessation of wurk in the 
carpet factory. 



t Occasioned, in part, by the removal of the state prison. 



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